Major Yu was born in Los Angeles, California and enlisted in the Marine Corps out of Queens, New York in 2003. He reported to Exercise Support Division in Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, 29 Palms and served as a Supply Admin clerk, Warehouse Clerk, and Fiscal NCO.
In 2007, Sergeant Yu was accepted into the MECEP program and attended the University of California at Los Angeles. Upon graduation in May 2011, he earned his commission as a Second Lieutenant.
After completing The Basic School and the Ground Supply Officer Course, Second Lieutenant Yu reported to 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division where he served as the Battalion Supply Officer from June 2012 to April 2015. From September 2013 to April 2014, he deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).
In April 2015, First Lieutenant Yu executed orders to Okinawa, Japan and reported to Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). He served as the Supply Platoon Commander, CLB representative in the Forward Command Element, and the Executive Officer of Troops throughout 4 patrols aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard (BHR).
In June 2017, Captain Yu was selected as a Northeast Asia Foreign Area Officer (FAO) and reported to the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, where he earned a Master’s Degree in National Security Affairs. Upon completion of language training at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, he reported to the Defense Attaché Office at the US Embassy in Seoul, South Korea, where he conducted regional research and advanced Korean language training.
In July 2020, Major Yu reported to United States Forces Korea (USFK) and Combined Forces Command (CFC) and served in the CJ33 Current Operations Branch. During this time, he served as the Theater Watch Officer for USFK and the Crisis Action Team Executive Officer for both USFK and CFC. He participated in a total of 6 combined exercises to include Combined Command Post Training, Freedom Shield, and Ulchi Freedom Shield while serving as the Theater Operations Center Executive Officer and the Battle Major.
In June 2024, Major Yu assumed command of Combat Logistics Company 33 aboard Marine Corps Base – Hawaii.
Major Yu’s military schools include Ground Supply Officer Course, Security Cooperation Planners Course, Defense Language Institute Korean Language Course, Foreign Area Counter Threat Course, Joint Logistics Over the Shore Course, Expeditionary Warfare School, and US Air Force Command and Staff College.
Major Yu’s personal decorations include Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two Gold Stars, and Good Conduct Medal with a Bronze Star.