Sergeant Major David M. Potter
Battalion Sergeant Major, 3d Transportation Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3d Marine Logistics Group
Sergeant Major David M. Potter enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in January 1998 and graduated
recruit training from Mike Co., 3d RTBn, MCRD Parris Island, SC, in April 1998. After attending Marine
Combat Training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina., Pvt. Potter attended F/A 18 airframes schools in Pensacola,
Fl. and Lemoore, Ca.
After training, PFC. Potter served as an F/A 18 airframes mechanic at VMFA-321, MAG 49 Det. A., 4th
Marine Aircraft Wing, Andrews AFB, Md. from November 1998 to November 2000. He deployed to Cairo,
Egypt in support of Operation Bright Star in October, 1999.
In November of 2000, Cpl Potter reported for duty at VMFA(AW)-242, MAG 11, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing,
MCAS Miramar, CA where he deployed to Iwakuni, Japan for a 6 month UDP and was promoted to Sergeant.
After returning from deployment, Sgt Potter was transferred to VMFAT-101 awaiting separation from the
Marine Corps. While at VMFAT-101, Sgt Potter was honorably discharged on 30 September 2003 after the stop
loss was lifted.
On 15 May 2004, Sgt Potter was accepted for reenlistment in the Prior Service Enlistment Program and
reported for duty at RS San Diego as a Recruiter Assistant. On 3 January 2005, Sgt Potter was transferred to
HMM-161 for On the Job Training awaiting orders to attend Naval Aircrew Candidate School (NACCS) at NAS
Pensacola, FL.
In June of 2005, Sgt Potter reported to Naval Aircrew Candidate School for training. Upon completion of
NACCS, Sgt Potter reported for training at MCAS New River, NC for CH46E helicopter maintenance in July of
2005. In October of 2005 Sgt Potter reported to MCB Camp Pendleton for CH46E Crew Chief flight training.
In February of 2006 Sgt Potter reported for duty at HMM-365 as a CH46E Crew Chief and Deployed with the
24th MEU twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2006 and 2008.
Upon returning from the 24th MEU deployment in Afghanistan in 2008, SSgt Potter reported for duty at
VMMT-204 for transition training on the MV-22 Osprey.
In July of 2009 SSgt Potter assumed his duties at VMM-266 as an MV-22 Osprey crew chief where he was
designated a Weapons and Tactics Instructor and Collateral Duty Inspector. SSgt Potter deployed twice in
support of the 26th MEU aboard the USS Kearsarge, once in August of 2010 and second in 2013. He was
promoted to Gunnery Sergeant on 1 August, 2013.
On 5 February 2014, GySgt Potter reported Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One as an
MV-22 Crew Chief Weapons and Tactics Instructor/Assault Support Department Chief where he led, trained,
and mentored pilots and enlisted aircrewmen through 7 WTI Cycles. He was promoted to First Sergeant on 31
May 2017.
1stSgt Potter reported to MCT Bn., SOI(W) on 19 June 2017 and assumed the duties and responsibilities of
Company H 1stSgt. After 1 year at Company H he was transferred to H&S Bn and served as the company 1stSgt
for Company L. 1stSgt Potter was then hand selected to serve as the Director for the Combat Instructor School
for SOI(W).
On 1 August 2020, 1stSgt Potter reported to 3d Supply Bn, 3d MLG and served as the Ammo Company
1stSgt. On 4 December 2020, He was promoted to his current rank and was appointed as the Battalion Sergeant
Major for 9th Engineer Support Battalion in Okinawa Japan. On 5 December 2022, SgtMaj Potter was
appointed as the 3d Transportation Battalion Sergeant Major.
SgtMaj Potter's personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with
(1) Gold Star, one individual Air Medal w/ combat "V", two Strike/Flight Air Medals, Navy Commendation
Medal and the Navy Achievement Medal.