Master Sergeant Sergio Molina, Assistant Marine Officer Instructor

Master Sergeant Molina was born on 11 July 1984 in Los Angeles, California. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on 9 September 2002, and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA. In January 2003, following completion of Marine Combat Training (MCT) he reported to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida where he attended both Naval Aircrew Candidate School and Aviation Machinist’s Mate Course. In May 2003, Master Sergeant Molina was promoted to Lance Corporal and shortly after received orders to Naval Base Coronado, California for Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape training (SERE). At the completion of SERE School, Master Sergeant Molina proceeded to report to Center of Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT) at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina for additional follow-on training. While attached to CNATT, Master Sergeant Molina completed both KC-130 Aircraft Mechanic O-level Maintenance Course and KC-130 Flight Mechanic Ground School. Immediately after completion of both courses, Master Sergeant Molina then reported to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Training Squadron 253 “Otis” for further Flight Mechanic training. In May 2004, upon becoming a qualified Flight Mechanic on KC-130 F/R/T models, Master Sergeant Molina then proceeded to report for KC-130J model conversion training back at CNATT, MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina. In June 2004, after completing KC-130J Crew Chief Conversion Course, Master Sergeant Molina was then directed to report to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 for further flight training. In November 2004, Master Sergeant Molina was promoted to Corporal. In January 2005, after completing conversion training, Master Sergeant Molina received orders to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 “Raiders”, Miramar, California. In December 2006, Master Sergeant Molina was promoted to Sergeant. While attached to his current unit, Master Sergeant Molina helped stand up the squadron as they transitioned from KC-130 F/R models to KC-130J and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). After returning to Miramar, California Master Sergeant Molina continued to serve as a KC-130J Crew Chief Instructor. In May 2009, Master Sergeant Molina received orders to Little Rock, Arkansas AFB where he assisted in standing up Detachment CNATT for all Marine KC-130 maintenance courses. In February of 2011, Master Sergeant Molina was promoted to Staff Sergeant. In January 2013, Master Sergeant Molina received orders to Drill Instructor School, Class 2–13, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA. Upon graduation, Master Sergeant Molina was assigned to 2D Battalion, Golf Company. During his time aboard the Recruit Depot Master Sergeant Molina served as Drill Instructor, Experienced Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor and Chief Drill Instructor completing ten cycles. Master Sergeant Molina received numerous accolades such as Platoon High in the Company, Honor Platoon, Band of Brothers and Senior Drill Instructor of the Quarter for the Battalion for exceptional leadership voted by all company 1st Sgt’s and battalion SgtMaj. In May 2016, Master Sergeant Molina received orders to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 “Raiders”, Miramar, California. While with his current command, he completed the conversion training from Crew Chief to Crewmaster and served as the command Fiscal Chief. In August 2016, Master Sergeant Molina was promoted to his current rank. In May 2017, Master Sergeant Molina received orders to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 “Sumos” where he served as Crewmaster Instructor, Fiscal Chief and Division Chief. While at his command, Master Sergeant converted to a KC-130J Flight Engineer and participated in multiple Detachments such as Lava Viper, Balikatan, Bougainville, and Cobra Gold.

In March 2020, Master Sergeant Molina received orders to the University of Idaho/Washington State University and is currently serving as the Senior Enlisted Adviser and Assistance Marine Officer Instructor. Master Sergeant Molina’s personal decorations include Air Medal with 6 strike flights, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and Humanitarian Service Medal.