Biography
Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines
Lt. Col. Frank P. Mease

Lieutenant Colonel Frank P. Mease Jr graduated from Bellefonte Area High School, Bellefonte, PA in 1991. After graduation, he attended boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island and subsequently reported for Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger, NC.

In June 1992, LtCol Mease reported to the Presidential Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1). During his tour, he served as team leader and squad leader and was meritoriously promoted to Corporal. Additionally, he earned the Presidential Service Badge and completed the requirements to designate as an Ariel Gunner. 

In April 1996, LtCol Mease reported to Military Police Company, 2D Force Service Support Group. During his tour with MP Company he served as squad leader and platoon sergeant where he deployed to Estonia for exercise Baltic Challenge 97 and Norway for Strong Resolve 98.

In July 1998, LtCol Mease reported to Drill Instructor School at Parris Island, SC. From 1998 through 2001, he served as Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, Series Chief Drill Instructor and Company Gunnery Sergeant for Company I, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion. While on duty at Parris Island he completed an Associate Degree through Park University and was nominated for the Meritorious Commissioning Program.

In December 2001, LtCol Mease was selected for the Meritorious Commissioning Program and attended Officer Candidates School in January 2002. He was commissioned in March 2002 and attended The Basic School and Infantry Officers Course in Quantico, VA where he was awarded the Wheeler Award.

In March 2003, LtCol Mease reported to 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment in Camp Lejeune, NC. From March 2003 through May 2006, he deployed to Afghanistan where he participated in Operation Mountain Storm and Fallujah, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his tour he served as rifle platoon commander, weapons platoon commander and 81mm mortar platoon commander.

In May 2006, LtCol Mease reported to a supporting establishment tour at Officer Candidates School. From May 2006 through July 2009, he served as tactics officer, staff platoon commander, company executive officer and assistant operations officer. During this tour, he also completed his Baccalaureate Degree through Park University.  He was subsequently selected for and attended Expeditionary Warfare School in Quantico, VA.

In September 2010, LtCol Mease assumed command of Company G, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines where he deployed the company to Trek Nawa, Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.  Upon return to Camp Lejeune, LtCol Mease was assigned as Operations Officer for 2/8 and deployed the battalion to the Helmand Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. 

From June 2014 through June 2017, LtCol Mease was selected to command Recruiting Station Pittsburgh, PA. Upon successful completion of recruiting, LtCol Mease reported to Marine Corps Command and Staff College during academic year 2017 through 2018.  Upon completion of Command and Staff College, he reported to the 1st Marine Regiment for duty as Regimental Operations Officer where he served from July through January 2019.  In January 2019, he assumed duties as the Regimental Executive Officer, 1st Marine Regiment. In January 2020, LtCol Mease assumed command of 1st Battalion, 1st Marines.

His personal decorations include the Bronze Star with combat distinguishing device, Meritorious Service Medal with gold star, Navy Commendation Medal with combat distinguishing device and two gold stars, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat distinguishing device and two gold stars and the Combat Action Ribbon with gold star.

 

 
1st Marine Division