Lieutenant Colonel Patrick James Skehan is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. He commissioned in May 2006 upon graduation from the University of Georgia. He then attended and graduated from The Basic School, where he was assigned as an Infantry Officer. He attended and graduated from the Infantry Officer Course in April 2007.
In May 2007, LtCol Skehan reported to 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. During this tour, he served as the 81mm Mortar Platoon Commander, Weapons Company Executive Officer, and Headquarters and Service Company Commander. In March 2008, he deployed to Ramadi, Iraq for combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In February 2010, he embarked aboard the USS Nassau and deployed with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
In December 2010, LtCol Skehan reported to The Basic School as an instructor. During this tour, he served as the Weapons Platoon Commander, Instructor Battalion and as a Staff Platoon Commander for the Warrant Officer Basic Course. In June 2012, he transferred to the Infantry Officer Course as an instructor and class advisor. In February 2014, he was selected to attend the US Army’s Maneuver Captain Career Course (MCCC) in Fort Benning, Georgia.
Upon graduation from MCCC in September 2014, LtCol Skehan reported to 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. During this tour he was assigned as the Assistant Operations Officer and Company Commander, Company C. In March 2015, he deployed to Darwin, Australia in support of Marine Rotational Force-Darwin. In October 2016, he embarked aboard the USS Makin Island and deployed with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
In July 2017, LtCol Skehan attended the Marine Corps Command and Staff College where he earned a Masters in Military Studies and graduated with honors. Upon graduation from Command and Staff College LtCol Skehan took Command of Recruiting Station Des Moines from July 2018 to July 2021. Following his recruiting tour, LtCol Skehan was assigned as the Current Operations Officer for the 1st Marine Division.