Colonel Michael R. Hudson was born in San Francisco and grew up in the Bay Area. He enrolled in the Platoon Leaders Course while attending San Jose State University and graduated with a degree in Aeronautics in December 1984. He completed The Basic School and was designated a Naval Aviator in April 1987. He was assigned to HMT-301 at Marine Corps Air Station Tustin, Calif., and received his designation as a CH-46 pilot.
After initial CH-46 training, he was assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 161, Marine Corps Air Station Tustin. During this time, he was assigned to both the Administration and Intelligence Departments and deployed as part of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit in January 1989. Upon returning, he was promoted to captain and assigned to the operations department. In August 1990, he deployed again with HMM-161 to Jubail, Saudi Arabia, for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, returning in April 1991.
In June 1991, he was transferred to 3rd Tank Battalion at Twentynine Palms, Calif., where he served as the Air Officer. During this time, he built the air package for the first Steel Knight Exercise, participated in numerous Combined Arms Exercises (CAX), Desert Fire Exercises and Desert Semitar. In September 1992, Col Hudson transferred to Training Squadron Six (VT-6) in Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Florida where he served as the Standardization Officer and flight instructor in the T-34C. During this time he completed his Masters in Business Management from Troy State University in Alabama. Completing this tour in July 1995, he transferred to HMT-204 in New River, North Carolina to refresh in the CH-46 Helicopter.
In November 1995, Col Hudson was promoted to Major and assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 161 at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California. Initially he was assigned as the Administration Officer, then the Operations Officer. He deployed with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit in March 1997. In April of 1998 he was transferred to Marine Air Group 16 as the Plans Officer.
In August 1998, Col Hudson was transferred to the Navy Warfare Development Command in Newport, Rhode Island. While assigned there he drafted the Naval Land Attack Concept and worked on Time Critical/Sensitive Targeting and advanced sensor to weapon networks.
In June 2001, Col Hudson was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and transferred to HMM (T)-164 at Camp Pendleton, California. After completing his refresher syllabus, he was assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 as the Executive Officer. In March 2002, he deployed to Korea with the Squadron to support Foal Eagle/RSOI. Upon his return in June, he was assigned as the Marine Air Group 39 Executive Officer. He deployed to Ali Al Salem, Kuwait in February 2003 for Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. Returning in October 2003, he assumed command of HMM-364 “The Purple Foxes,” in May 2004.
In February of 2005, the squadron then deployed ISO Operation Iraqi Freedom 04-06 to Al Taqaddum Air Base in Iraq to conduct combat operations. The squadron flew in excess of 3,800 mishap free combat hours in just seven months conducting primarily CASEVAC missions and Direct Action raids. In December 2005, Col Hudson relinquished command and was assigned to 3RD Marine Aircraft Wing as the Future Operations Officer. In June of 2006, he reported to the Naval War College where in September of 2006 he was promoted to his present rank. He graduated in June of 2007 with a Masters degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.
From July 2007 through May 2009, Colonel Hudson was assigned to U.S. Pacific Command in the J3 as a Joint Operations Center Director. He transferred to his current assignment in I MEF during June 2009 for duties as the Future Operations Officer in the G-3.
Col Hudson has logged over 3,900 total hours. His personal decorations include the Bronze Star medal (w/Gold Star), Joint Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (w/Gold Star), Air Medal (w/strike flight 12), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (w/Gold Star), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (w/Gold Star).
Col Hudson is married with two children.