Major Carlos Gabriel Rascon graduated in December 1992 from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. Subsequently upon completion of Naval Aviator Training he was designated a Naval Aviator in February of 1996.
In March 1996, Major Rascon was assigned to VFA-125 at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California for F/A-18 pilot training. After completion of his F/A-18 carrier qualification he was transferred to Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina.
From May 1998 to July 2001, Major Rascon served as the Classified Materials Officer, Responsible Officer, Maintenance Quality Assurance Officer, Assistant Training Officer, Adjunct Faculty at Park College and Flight Officer. He deployed twice to the Western Pacific in support of a unit deployment program and completed one combat deployment to Europe in support of Operation Allied Force. Currently Major Rascon is the Marine Officer Instructor (MOI) at the University of Arizona where he teaches four Naval Science courses as an Assistant Professor of Naval Science. Major Rascon is pursuing a Masters in Business Administration and a Certified Flight Instructor qualification in addition to training future Marine Corps Officers.
Carlos Rascon’s personal achievements include receiving, a Dadelion Award for the graduating Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps college senior displaying the highest aptitude to complete an aviation career, and a Naval Commendation Medal with Combat “V” for his actions during Operation Allied Force as an F/A-18D fighter pilot.