Sergeant Major Ian S. Gragg assumed his post as SgtMaj of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 542 (VMFA-542) on March 01, 2023 in Cherry Point, NC. SgtMaj Gragg is a native of Memphis, TN. He attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, SC in June 2003. Upon completion of Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger, NC in September 2003, he reported to Dam Neck, VA and successfully completed the Marine Air Ground Task Force Intelligence Specialist Entry Course.
In February 2004, SgtMaj Gragg reported to 2d Marine Regiment in Camp Lejeune, NC as an Intelligence Specialist where he later deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 2-2 and 4-6. Upon return from the deployment, SgtMaj Gragg executed a permanent change of station move to Beaufort, SC for duty as an Intelligence Specialist in May 2008 to Marine Air Group 31. Subsequently, he deployed with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224 in support of the Far East Unit Deployment Program in Iwakuni, Japan. In October 2009, SgtMaj Gragg reported to Drill Instructor School on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, SC. In turn, he concluded his time in South Carolina with a successful tour as a drill instructor assigned to Company G, 2d Recruit Training Battalion in September 2012.
In October 2012, SgtMaj Gragg reported to 3d Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment in Twentynine Palms, CA as an Intelligence Specialist and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 13.1. Upon his return, SgtMaj Gragg reported to Marine Corps Tactical Operations Group in May 2014 where he served as an Intelligence Faculty Advisor.
Transitioning overseas in July 2015, SgtMaj Gragg reported to Special Operations Command Europe in Stuttgart, Germany where he served as an Intelligence Specialist. Following his tour overseas, SgtMaj Gragg reported to Blount Island Command, Jacksonville, FL as the Senior Enlisted Advisor in October 2018 until March 2022. SgtMaj Gragg finished his time as a First Sergeant at Company B, 2d Radio Battalion, Camp Lejeune, NC in March 2023.
SgtMaj Gragg's personal decorations and awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with one silver star in lieu of sixth award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Lithuanian Defense Medal.