Major General John F. Kelliher III is currently serving as Commanding General, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve.
A native of Hanson, Massachusetts. He graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Studies and was commissioned in April 1992.
He was designated an unrestricted Naval Aviator in November 1994 and reported to HMLA\T-303 for training in the UH-1N. After twelve years of service, Major General Kelliher left active duty in September 2004 and joined the Marine Corps Reserve in February 2008.
Previous Command billets include the first Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Squadron Augmentation Unit, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303; Deployment Processing Center OIC, Reserve Support Unit Air Stations West; Commanding Officer, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 773 “Red Dogs” during its conversion to the UH-1Y and consolidation from three site locations to two; Senior Reserve Advisor, Marine Aircraft Group 49; Assistant Wing Commander, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing; Deputy Commanding General (Mobilization), I Marine Expeditionary Force; and Deputy Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic and Deputy Commander, Marine Forces Command and Marine Forces Northern Command.
As a UH-1N pilot, Major General Kelliher has deployed twice with the “Gunfighters” of HMLA-369 to Okinawa, Japan; served as a UH-1N Flight Instructor with Marine Helicopter Training Squadron 303; and served with HMLA-775. During his tour at HMX-1 he completed the series conversion to fly the CH-53E and serve as a Marine One in the VH-60 and VH-3. During his tour with VMR Det Miramar, he deployed twice to Qatar, once as the detachment OIC for both the UC-35 Det at Al Udeid and the UC-12W Det at Camp Bastion. He was subsequently qualified on the UC-12W at VMR Belle Chasse and served as the platform’s program manager. In total, Major General Kelliher has accumulated more than 4,500 mishap-free flight hours in seven different aircraft.
Major General Kelliher is a graduate of the Marine Corps Command and Staff and Air War College Distance Education Programs.