Colonel Pablo J. Torres graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in May 2001. Following graduation from The Basic School, he attended naval aviation training in Pensacola, FL and was designated a naval aviator in September 2003. He then reported to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303 for initial training in the AH-1W.
Colonel Torres’ first assignment in the operating forces was with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 367 from 2004 to 2009.
During his time with HMLA-367, Col Torres deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from August 2004 to April 2005, August 2006 to February 2007, and April 2008 to November 2008. He attended the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course in the spring of 2007.
After three combat tours with HMLA-367, Col Torres completed the Tactical Air Control Party course in Coronado, CA and was assigned to 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO) in February 2009. He served as the Air Officer for Supporting Arms Liaison Team (SALT) Alpha and was the subject matter expert for all aviation fires. In May 2009, he became a JTAC Evaluator, and in July 2009, he was assigned as the SALT Leader. He deployed with 1st ANGLICO in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2010.
Following his tour with 1st ANGLICO, Col Torres successfully screened with Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG), where he conducted Fire Support Research and Development. During this time, Col Torres volunteered to deploy with a Naval Special Warfare unit in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
From August 2012 to June 2013, Col Torres attended the Command and Staff College in Quantico, VA where he earned a Master of Military Studies. Following graduation in June 2013, he reported to Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 29 and was later assigned to HMLA-167. While there, he served as the Assistant Operations Officer, Operations Officer, and Executive Officer. In October 2015, Col Torres deployed to Okinawa, Japan in support of Unit Deployment Program (UDP) 16.1.
In May 2016, Col Torres reported to Headquarters Marine Corps and was assigned as the Aide-de-Camp for the 34th Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Glenn M. Walters, where he served until January 2018. He then reported to MAG-29 and worked in the Department of Safety and Standardization.
In June 2018, Col Torres was assigned command of HMLA-167. He led the squadron during multiple exercises and the in-stride conversion of the AH-1Z. The squadron supported every assigned frag during his command and maintained a mishap-free record. In December 2019, Col Torres transferred command of HMLA-167 and reported to MAG-29 as the Executive Officer.
From July 2020 to June 2021, Col Torres attended the Marine Corps War College in Quantico, VA where he earned a Master of Strategic Studies. Following graduation, he reported to the Joint Staff’s Joint Fires Integration Division. In June 2023, Col Torres transferred to Expeditionary Warfare Training Group, Atlantic to serve as the Director of Operations and Training.
Col Torres’ personal awards include: Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with one gold star, Air Medal-Individual Action, Air Medal-Strike Flight Numeral 10, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat distinguishing device.