Lieutenant Colonel Geoff “SpongeBob” Palmer is a native of Fairfax, Virginia. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Science from Kansas State University in 2004. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on June 4th 2005. He completed “The Basic School” US Marine Officer leadership and Infantry training in May 2006, and immediately reported to Marine Aviation Training Support Group aboard NAS Pensacola, FL. He earned his wings in October 2008 and selected the AV-8B Harrier. He completed training at the AV-8B FRS in November 2009, and was assigned to the VMA-223, the “Bulldogs” aboard MCAS Cherry Point, NC. 

Lt. Col. Palmer deployed to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in August 2011 with the 2D Marine Aircraft Wing, where he flew augment combat missions with the VMA-513, the “Nightmares”. In January 2012, Lt. Col. Palmer cross-deck deployed to Kandahar Airfield to re-join VMA-223 and continue flying Close Air Support missions in support of the 2D Marine Division. In VMA-223 he served as Admin Officer and daily schedule writer. Upon return home, Lt. Col. Palmer joined VMA-231, the “Ace of Spades”, and deployed back to Camp Bastion four months later. He served as Logistics Officer and Assistant Operations Officer in addition to flight duties.

In December 2013, Lt. Col. Palmer joined 3d Battalion, 2d Marine Infantry Regiment aboard Camp Lejeune, NC, as a Forward Air Controller, Battalion Air Officer, and Assistant Operations Officer. He earned his Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) – Evaluator qualification, and served as JTAC training officer for the 2d Marine Regiment.

In December 2014, Lt. Col. Palmer re-joined VMA-223. In September 2015, Lt. Col. Palmer deployed with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the USS KEARSARGE (LHD-3) in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE where he served as the aircraft Maintenance Officer. He subsequently deployed in February 2017 with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the USS BATAAN (LHD-5) in support of combat operations in Central Command as the Operations Officer. He served as a vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) Landing Signal Officer (LSO) aboard both ships. 

In March 2018, Lt. Col. Palmer attended the MAWTS-1 Weapons and Tactics Instructor course. He was subsequently assigned to VMAT-203 aboard MCAS Cherry Point to serve as Training Officer and Operations Officer. 

In September 2021, Lt. Col. Palmer reported to VX-9, the “Vampires” aboard NAWS China Lake, CA. He currently serves as AV-8B Harrier II+ Operational Test Director, Marine Aviation Detachment Officer-in-Charge, and VX-9 Executive Officer.

Lt. Col. Palmer has flown over 2,900 hours in multiple types of aircraft, including over 2,000 in the AV-8B Harrier. He has over 450 combat hours in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and other locations. His personal awards include the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star, and the Strike/Flight Air Medal with Numeral Seven. He is married to the former Erica Landry of Greensboro, NC. He is raising one step-son, Emmett Raphael Pelton.

Last Updated: 22 March 2024