Lieutenant Colonel Christopher W. Morton in May 1990 received his Bachelor of Science Degree in History from Ohio Wesleyan University and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. After graduating from the Basic School in May 1990 he reported to Naval Aviation Training Command, Pensacola, Florida for flight training.

Upon designation as a Naval Aviator in October 1992, LtCol Morton reported to HMT-301, MCAS Tustin, California and was designated a CH-46E Sea Knight pilot. In July, 1993 LtCol Morton was assigned to HMM-165, MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii where he served in the Logistics Department. In January, 1994, he deployed to Okinawa where he participated in a variety of operations and exercises in mainland Japan and Thailand.

In January of 1995, LtCol Morton joined 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines where he served as a forward air controller. While with 3/3 he conducted an exercise in Fairbanks, Alaska and completed a Unit Deployment to Okinawa and mainland Japan. Upon return in January 1996, LtCol Morton rejoined HMM-165 where he served a variety of billets to include Flight Line Officer and Quality Assurance Officer. In July, 1996 LtCol Morton accompanied HMM-165’s relocation to MCAS El Toro, California where he participated in CAX 1/2-97 and 3/4-97.

After one year in MCAS El Toro, LtCol Morton reported to HT-18 as a flight instructor where he held the positions of Flight Leader, Flight Operations Officer and Standardization Officer. During this assignment, LtCol Morton attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Pensacola and received his Master of Aeronautical Science. In July 2000, LtCol Morton reported to MAG- 39. After completing refresher training, LtCol Morton was assigned to HMM(T)-164 as an Instructor Pilot where he served as the Director of Safety and Standardization and Operations Officer.

During February 2002, LtCol Morton joined Coalition Forces Land Component Command, Camp Doha, Kuwait in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. During the 6 months with CFLCC, LtCol Morton served as the Marine Future Plans Officer and the Future Operations Officer. Upon return from deployment, LtCol Morton checked into MAG-16 and was transferred to 3dMAW where he served as the Assistant Current Operations Officer and deployed in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF).

In October 2003, LtCol Morton returned to MAG-39 and joined HMM-364 where he held the positions of the Director of Safety and Standardization and Executive Officer. In January 2005, LtCol Morton deployed with the squadron to Al Taqaddum, Iraq in support of OIF 04-06-1. In December 2005, LtCol Morton joined MAG-39 and served as the Director of Safety and Standardization and Executive Officer.

In July 2007, checked into the Expeditionary Warfare School, Quantico, Virginia and assumed the position of MAGTF Operations Ashore Division Head.

LtCol Morton has achieved over 4,000 flight hours, and has been awarded the Air Medal with the Numeral 5, the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two Gold Stars, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, and the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Gold Star.