Major Ken Asbridge is a native of Frankfort, Illinois, and graduated from Lincoln Way
High School in 1988 where he participated in varsity baseball. He then attended Ohio State
University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Management.
Ken was commissioned through the Platoon Leaders Course (PLC) as a second
lieutenant in March 1993. After completing The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia, he reported to
flight school at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida, where he was assigned to Training
Squadron 6 (VT 6) at NAS Whiting Field for primary and intermediate flight instruction. After
completing advanced flight training with VT 31 at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, Ken earned his
wings of gold in March 1996 and was awarded Marine Corps Student Naval Aviator of the Year
by the Daughters of the American Revolution. He then reported to Marine Aerial Refueler
Transport Training Squadron 253 (VMGRT 253) in Cherry Point, North Carolina, for KC-130
training.
Ken's first fleet aviation assignment was with VMGR 252 at Cherry Point. While there, he
served as the embark officer, quality assurance officer, and aviation safety officer. He made
deployments to Turkey in support of Operation Northern Watch and to Greece and Italy in support
of Operations Noble Anvil and Allied Force. Ken also flew missions in support of operations in
Central America, South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia.
Ken's next assignment was in April 2000 where he was the aviation assistant for officer
procurement with the 9th Marine Corps District in Kansas City, Missouri. At this station, he was
responsible for the recruitment of all pilots and naval flight officers in the Midwest.
Ken joined the Blue Angels in September 2002. He has accumulated more than 2,250
flight hours. His decorations include various personal and unit awards.
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