Lt. Gen. Jon Davis, the Marine Corps’ most senior aviator, hung up his wings July 10 after a 37-year career in uniform.
Commissioned a second lieutenant in May 1980, Davis served as the Deputy Commandant for Aviation from June 2014 until his retirement on Monday.
During a ceremony at Marine Corps Barracks in Washington, D.C., Davis passed his billet to Lt. Gen. Steven R. Rudder, who is now serving as the Deputy Commandant for Aviation.
Davis chose to fly the AV-8A Harrier in 1982 upon receiving his wings. After completing Harrier training, he reported to Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 231 in 1983 where he deployed aboard the USS Inchon. In 1985 he transferred to Marine Attack Training Squadron (VMAT) 203 serving as an instructor pilot.
In the course of his career he has flown more than 4,500 mishap-free hours in the AV-8 Harrier, F-5 and F/A-18 Hornet and as a co-pilot in every type model series tilt-rotor, rotary winged and air refueling aircraft in the USMC inventory.
His tenure as the Marine Corps’ top aviator included the initial operational capability of the F-35B short-takeoff, vertical-landing version of the Lockheed Martin [LMT] Joint Strike Fighter. He also oversaw final development of the Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion. Sikorsky is part of Lockheed Martin.
Lt. Gen. Rudder previously served as the director, J-5, U.S. Pacific Command, Camp H. M. Smith, Hawaii.