A native of Jasper, Florida, Master Gunnery Sgt. Cornelius Bryant enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in June 1997, and attended boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina.  While at Marine Combat Training, he was promoted meritoriously to private first class. Upon completion of Marine Combat Training, he reported to CH-46 Maintenance Organizational Maintenance Training School, Naval Aviation Maintenance Training Unit, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, Jacksonville, North Carolina for training as a CH-46 aircraft mechanic.   
 
In December 1997, Bryant transferred to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 365, MCAS New River.  From December 1997 until May 2002, he served as a CH-46E mechanic and held billets such as a collateral duty inspector and was the desk sergeant for the division. During this period, he deployed with the 24^th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in support of Kosovo Forces and the 26^th MEU in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
 
In June 2002, Bryant reported to MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina. He then served as the flight line division chief and a maintenance controller for Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron Search and Rescue aboard MCAS Beaufort.
 
In April 2006, Bryant reported to Recruiting Station Jacksonville, Florida, Recruiting Sub-Station Albany in Albany, Georgia, where he served as a canvassing recruiter for 24 months. He then took over as the staff non-commissioned officer-in-charge (NCOIC) of the station for an additional 13 months.
  
In June 2009, Bryant reported to MCAS San Diego, California, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 16, HMM-165 to serve as the flight line division chief. During this time he deployed with the 15^th MEU and transitioned the squadron from the CH-46E to the MV-22B aircraft.
 
In August 2011, Bryant reported to MCAS New River, MAG 26, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 266 where he performed the duties of flight line division chief before assuming the position as the staff NCOIC of the maintenance control work center. During this time, he deployed with the 26^th MEU and Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Spain.
 
In July 2016, Bryant reported to MAG-31, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31, MCAS Beaufort, and served at several units while stationed there. During his first assignment, he served as the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron maintenance chief and production control chief. In November 2017, Bryant joined Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA (AW)) 533 where he served as the maintenance chief. He deployed to MCAS Iwakuni with VMFA(AW) 533. In March 2019, Bryant joined Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 where he served as the maintenance chief. He deployed to MCAS Iwakuni with VMFA 115. In October 2020, Bryant joined Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 502 where he served as the maintenance chief.
 
Bryant currently serves as the senior enlisted Marine advisor to the commanding officer of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training.
 
His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (second award), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (fourth award) and the Combat Action Ribbon.
 

Last Updated: 27 July 2021