Major Charles R. Walters attended Catawba College in Salisbury, NC and graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and a minor in Spanish. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in December of 2009 after attending Officer’s Candidate School and reported to The Basic School in December of 2009. After graduating The Basic School, he reported to Naval Aviator Training in Pensacola, FL.
Second Lieutenant Walters next reported to Marine Air Training Support Group 22 to begin his training as a Naval Aviator. He reported to Training Squadron 6 in August 2011 at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, and to Multi-Engine Advanced Training at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi in May of 2012. Upon receiving his designation as a Naval Aviator in December 2012, First Lieutenant Walters reported to the KC-130J Fleet Replacement Detachment in January 2013.
In June 2013, First Lieutenant Walters reported to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 based in Miramar, CA where he supported numerous deployments. In June 2014, Captain Walters deployed to RC Southwest, Afghanistan to support Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Upon his return from deployment, he upgraded to Transport Plane Commander. Again, Captain Walters deployed in October 2015 to support Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, returning in May 2016. Major Walters’ billet assignments included Adjutant, Detachment Assistant Maintenance Officer, Powerline Officer, and detachment Assistant Operations Officer.
In June 2016, Captain Walters reported to EWTGPAC and began the Joint Terminal Attack Controller course and earing the Forward Air Controller MOS in July 2016. He then reported to 5th ANGLICO in Okinawa Japan supporting multiple different nations within the PACOM AOR. Throughout his tour, he trained numerous students in Fires and Airspace planning while achieving qualifications as a Joint Terminal Air Control instructor and Targeting instructor. While stationed at Camp Hanson, he was able to complete Expeditionary Warfare School. His billets while assigned to ANGLICO include Supporting Arms Liaison Team Delta Commander and the 2d Brigade Air Officer.
In May 2018, Captain Walters reported to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 based in Cherry Point, NC where he supported numerous exercises and deployments. Major Walters was promoted to his current rank in October of 2019. In February 2020, Major Walters deployed as the detachment OIC to USCENTCOM to support the 26th MEU. Upon his return from deployment, he supported multiple exercises and fulfilled multiple OIC positions. Major Walters completed Command and Staff College and earned multiple instructor designations to include Aerial Delivery, Low Altitude Tactics, Night Systems, and Harvest Hawk. Major Walters’ billet assignments included NATOPS Officer, and Future Operations Officer.
In June of 2021, Major Walters reported to 2d Marine Raider Bn, MARFORSOC at Camp Lejeune, NC to fulfill another Air Officer tour. While assigned to 2d Raider Bn, in 2022 he fulfilled the detachment OIC for a multi-national Special Operations detachment to the maritime sector of the Republic of Georgia overseeing multiple amphibious operations. Major Walters earned his Masters degree in Management with a focus on Marine Corps Operations from University of Maryland Global Campus. He also served as the OIC for two joint Special Operations Readiness exercises across the southern US.
In June 2023, Major Walters reported to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 and is currently serving as the Squadron’s Executive Officer.
Major Walters’ personal decorations include the Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with gold star) and the Navy Achievement Medal (with gold star), Air Medal with Flight (5th Award). He has over 1,900 flight hours in the KC-130J.