Commander Marcus Lopez, a native of Cumberland, Rhode Island, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1995 with Merit and proceeded to flight school. He earned his Wings of Gold in November of 1997 and was selected to fly the F-14A Tomcat.

Upon completion of the F-14 Fleet Replacement Squadron in March 1999, he was assigned to VF-41, The Black Aces, deploying twice with Carrier Air Wing EIGHT (CVW-8). While aboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) in 1999, he participated in the entire air campaign over Kosovo during Operation ALLIED FORCE followed by additional sorties for Operation SOUTHERN WATCH in Iraq. During his second deployment in 2001 aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65), he participated in the opening bombing campaign in Afghanistan for Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

In December 2001, he reported back to VF-101 as an Instructor Pilot and Landing Signal Officer Phase Head. Following instructor duty in 2004, he was assigned to Carrier Air Wing SEVEN (CVW-7) as the CAG Landing Signals Officer and deployed on the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) flying with VF-11 and VF-143 in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. In 2005, he transitioned to the FA-18 Super Hornet with VFA-122, and was assigned to VFA-22, The Fighting Redcocks in Lemoore, California. While assigned to The Fighting Redcocks, he completed two deployments and a surge deployment in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM.

In April 2010, CDR Lopez assumed the XO position with the World Famous Red Rippers while deployed in support of combat operations in the Middle East. He took command in August 2012 while supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65). While Commanding Officer of the Red Rippers, the squadron earned the COMNAVAIRLANT Battle “E” and Grand Slam awards, and the CSFWL “Mutha” award.

CDR Lopez's shore duties included the National Reconnaissance Office and the Office of Naval Research.

Commander Lopez has completed eight deployments and accumulated more than 3,700 flight hours and 825 arrested landings with over 100 combat missions. His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Strike/Flight Air Medal (eight awards), the Navy Commendation Medal (six awards, two w/ Combat "V"), the Navy Achievement Medal (two awards) and numerous campaign, service and un