LtCol Best is Washington native, graduating from the University of Washington in 2005 after a childhood as an Air Force brat in duty stations around the world. After attaining a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University, LtCol Best attended Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia where he commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 2008. Following The Basic School, 2ndLt Best attended Aviation Preflight Indoctrination in Pensacola, Florida then Undergraduate Pilot Training with the United States Navy at Whiting Field, Florida, flying the T-34C. After Advanced Helicopter training in Pensacola, Florida flying the TH-57, 1stLt Best earned his wings of gold and was ordered to MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA for training on the AH-1W Super Cobra.
1stLt Best joined HMLA-169 “The World Famous Vipers” at MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA in the spring of 2011. During his first fleet tour, he was deployed to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan in support Operation Enduring Freedom from 2011 to 2012. Capt Best returned from deployment and was among the first Marine Aviators selected to transition to the venerable AH-1Z Viper. In 2015, he attended the weapons and tactics instructor course at Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One and returned to serve the Vipers as squadron’s only AH-1Z company grade WTI. His billets during this tour included work in the communications office and operations department.
In 2016, Maj Best was selected to serve with Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1), the “Nighthawks” at MCAF Quantico, Virginia. He served as a Presidential helicopter pilot for the 44th and 45th Presidents of the United States. During his time with Marine One, Maj Best supported Presidential travel and lift globally and served as a White House Liaison Officer and a Presidential Command Pilot in the VH-3D Sea King and VH-60N White Hawk.
In 2020, Maj Best was selected to transition to the KC-130J Super Hercules. He checked into the Fleet Replacement Detachment (FRD) at MCAS Miramar, California in February. Upon completion of his FRD transition syllabus, he checked in to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 (VMGR-352), the “Raiders” aboard MCAS Miramar. He deployed with the Raiders to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response Central Command in 2021. There he flew in support of Operations Inherent Resolve, Freedom Sentinel, and Allies Refuge, becoming one of eighteen Marine KC-130J pilots to participate in the largest non-combatant evacuation operation is U.S. history; the evacuation of Kabul. During his time with the Raiders, Maj Best served as the Loadmaster Officer in Charge, Detachment Alpha Maintenance Officer, Assistant Operations Officer, and Operations Officer.
In 2023, Maj Best joined Marine Aircraft Group 41 in NAS JRB Fort Worth as the KC-130J TMS Lead Action Officer. Where he was directly accountable to the MAG commander for Fleet Marine Force KC-130J readiness. He worked side by side with Headquarters Marine Corps, the Program Office, and KC-130J fleet to maintain a high state of current readiness and to ensure the future success of the KC-130J.
In 2024, LtCol Best reported to Marine Transport Squadron One (VMR-1), the “Roadrunners” to serve as the squadron executive officer after being qualified to fly the newest TMS in the Marine Corps inventory, the C-40A Clipper.
LtCol Best’s personal awards consist of the Meritorious Service Medal, Seven Strike/Flight Air Medals, two Navy Commendation Medals, and the Presidential Service Badge.