A native of Miami, FL, Commander Frantz “Apollo” Bien-Aime enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in July 2001 and attended boot camp at MCRD Parris Island, SC. He deployed to Iraq in September 2004 as a Military Working Dog (MWD) Handler, where he and his MWD Eddo provided explosive detection and combat patrol support to various units. While enlisted, he achieved the rank of Sergeant.  

In July 2005, he transitioned to civilian life. He was a K-9 Handler with Explosive Counter Measures International, an animal caretaker at the Border Patrol National Canine Facility, and a U.S. Border Patrol Agent. In 2007 he completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Colorado Technical University Online.

CDR Bien-Aime was commissioned in December 2009 via Officer Candidate School (OCS) Newport, RI. After completing primary, intermediate jet, and advanced multi-engine training, he was winged a Naval Aviator from VT-31 in June 2012. 

After completion of the C-2A Fleet Replacement Squadron training, he reported to VRC-40 “Rawhides” in Norfolk, VA, in May 2013. In support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve. He deployed with Detachment TWO (DET TWO) aboard the USS BUSH (CVN-77) and served as Assistant Operations Officer, Avionics Division Officer, Legal Officer, and EKMS Officer. He also deployed with Detachment THREE (DET THREE) aboard the USS Truman (CVN-75) and served as Assistant Officer in Charge, Training Officer, and Communications Officer. 

In August 2016, he reported to VT-31 for Multi-Engine Instructor Duty to train the World’s best aviators. In 2018 he was certified as an FAA Airline Transport Pilot. Upon completion of instructor duty in June 2019, he reported to MCAS New River VMMT-204 to begin transition to the MV-22B.

After initial qualification in the MV-22B he checked into Naval Aviation Training Support Group on New River as the Navy Operations and MAG Liaison Officer. He deployed with VMM-266 in September 2020 as part of the North and West Africa Crisis Response Force out of Moron, Spain.  

In June 2021, he reported to VRM Wing NAS North Island in route to his Department Head tour to stand up and establish VRM-40. He began the stand up of VRM-40 in November of 2021 and taking them to initial safe for flight certification in August 2023. In his department head tour, he held positions of XO, Safety Officer, Operations Officer, and Maintenance Officer. 

In December 2023, he checked into CNAP N40 as CNAF VRM Readiness Officer. He supported the efforts of the V-22 comprehensive review and Navy CMV-22 process to return to flight and mission after the unprecedented V-22 grounding across all the services. 

CDR Bien-Aime has flown over 2,600 flight hours in single- and multi-engine, jet, and tilt-rotor aircraft. His awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), Combat Action Ribbon, and various other personal, unit, and service awards.
 

Last Updated: 10 March 2025