Lieutenant Colonel Pascal J. Gonzalez is a native of Lima, Peru. He moved to St. Louis, Missouri where he graduated from High School in 1999. He received his commission as a Second Lieutenant from the United States Naval Academy in 2004 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. Following The Basic School (TBS) in Quantico, VA, he reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training. In February 2007, he was designated a Naval Aviator and received orders to MCAS New River, NC and reported to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron 204 (VMMT-204) to begin training as a Tiltrotor Second Pilot (T2P).

First Lieutenant Gonzalez was immediately assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 (VMM-266) in preparation for its stand-up in March 2007, where he completed his Fleet Replacement Squadron training. He served as VMM-266 Ground Safety Officer, Assistant Logistics Officer, Pilot Training Officer (PTO), and Assistant Operations Officer from March 2007 to October 2013. He deployed with the squadron in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 08.2 and 09.1, 26 Marine Expeditionary Unit in 2010, Operation Enduring Freedom 11.1, and 26 MEU in 2013.

Upon returning from the 26 MEU in October 2013, Captain Gonzalez received orders to Marine Helicopter Squadron 1 (HMX-1) from October 2013 to June 2016 where he helped introduce the MV-22B to the Executive Support mission in support of the White House Military Office (WHMO) and Marine Corps Combat Development Command (MCCDC). Major Gonzalez served as Flight Line Officer in Charge, Officer Recruiting Coordinator, and Operations Flight Officer, and deployed to various domestic and international locations in support of presidential airlift missions.

Major Gonzalez reported to MCAS New River, NC and Marine Aircraft Group 26 (MAG 26), where he served as VMM-261 Aircraft Maintenance Officer from June 2016 to November 2018, and Executive Officer from November 2018 to November 2019. He deployed in support of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Crisis Response Africa (SPMAGTF-CR AF) 17.2 and 18.1, and served as Remain Behind Element Officer in Charge (RBE OIC) during VMM-261’s deployment in support of SPMAGTF-CR AF 19.2. Major Gonzalez assumed the duties of MAG-26 Operations Officer from November 2019 to July 2020.

Lieutenant Colonel Gonzalez was assigned as the Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron One (MWHS-1) Executive Officer in Okinawa, Japan from August 2020 to December 2020, when he executed orders to assume Command of Marine Aircraft Group 49, Detachment D Norfolk, Virginia.

Lieutenant Colonel Gonzalez’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal fourth strike, and Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal gold star in lieu of third award.