LtCol Jeff Dean grew up in Houston, TX before attending the U.S. Naval Academy. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 2002 and received a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps.  2ndLt Dean attended The Basic School in Quantico, VA, followed immediately by naval aviation flight training.  He was assigned to fly F/A-18 Hornets, and received his wings of gold in December 2004.

After initial training at VFA-106, 1stLt Dean reported to MCAS Beaufort to be a Scheduling Officer with VMFA(AW)-533. He deployed with the Hawks to Al Asad Airbase in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in 2006, and then again in 2007 as the 2D MAW(Fwd) Aviation Safety Officer.  Next, Capt Dean reported to VMFA-251 as an Assistant Operations Officer and attended the Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course in 2009.

Capt Dean also deployed to MCAS Iwakuni with VMFA(AW)-224 as part of the Unit Deployment Program, and upon his return, attended the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN).  After serving as the Power/Line Officer in Charge and the Pilot Training Officer, Capt Dean went back to VMFA-251 as the Quality Assurance Officer in Charge and Operations Officer for a deployment aboard the USS Enterprise in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

In 2013, Major Dean attended the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, followed by an assignment to the VX-31 Dust Devils at NAWS China Lake. For the next three years, Major Dean helped develop multiple weapons and software upgrade programs for the F/A-18A-D Hornet, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and the EA-18G Growler. 

In 2017, Major Dean directly affiliated into the Select Marine Corps Reserve.  Since joining the SMCR, LtCol Dean has served as the Air Officer for 14th Marine Regiment, the Assistant Chief of Staff (G-3) at 4th Marine Air Wing, and an Engagement Lead at the Marine Innovation Unit.

In addition to WTI, TOPGUN, and USAF Test Pilot School, LtCol Dean was an Honor Graduate from the Expeditionary Warfare School and completed the Marine Corps Command and Staff and Air War College Non-Resident programs.  He has a B.S. in Systems Engineering, a M.S. in Flight Test Engineering, and a Ph.D. In Aerospace Engineering. LtCol Dean's personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal (7th award), and the Navy Commendation Medal (2nd award).  He has nearly 5,000 flight hours in more than 40 different aircraft, including the F/A-18, F-16, C-12, and the U-2.