LtCol Pitchford is an Arkansas native, graduating from the University of Arkansas in 2003 after a childhood as an Army brat in duty stations around the world. After a year as a ski lift operator in Colorado, LtCol Pitchford attended Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia where he commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 2004. Following The Basic School, 2nd Lt Pitchford attended Aviation Preflight Indoctrination in Pensacola, Florida then Joint Services Undergraduate Pilot Training with the United States Air Force at Vance AFB, Oklahoma, flying the T-37B. After Advanced Helicopter training in Pensacola, Florida flying the TH-57, 1st Lt Pitchford earned his wings and was sent to MCAS New River, NC for training on the CH-53E, Super Stallion.
1st Lt Pitchford joined HMH-466 at MCAS Miramar, CA in the fall of 2007. During his first fleet tour, he was deployed with the 13th MEU aboard the USS Boxer on the way to and from Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2009. Capt Pitchford deployed again in 2010 and 2012 with HMH-466 to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His billets during this tour included work in maintenance, headquarters and operations.
In 2013, Capt Pitchford was ordered to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) in Yuma, AZ where he served as a CH-53E Instructor Pilot and Division Head with subject matter expertise areas in Heavy Lift and Infrared Surface to Air Missiles.
Maj Pitchford then attended the Naval War College in Newport, RI in 2017 where he earned a Masters of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies.
In 2018, Maj Pitchford joined HMH-462 at MCAS Miramar, CA as the Aircraft Maintenance Officer and Executive Officer. In 2019, the squadron deployed to Okinawa, Japan as part of the Unit Deployment Program.
In 2020, Maj Pitchford joined Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) in Quantico, VA serving as the logistics officer and Aircraft Maintenance Officer. LtCol Pitchford flew the 45th and 46th Presidents as well as qualified to be a Marine One Pilot on the VH-60N and VH-3D.
In 2024, LtCol Pitchford reported to NAS JRB Fort Worth to assume command of Marine Transport Squadron One (VMR-1). His personal awards consist of the Meritorious Service Medal, Single Mission Air Medal with Combat V, Eleven Strike/Flight Air Medals, and three Navy Commendation Medals.