Col Tom “Banshee” Trimble attended the United States Naval Academy where he received his Bachelor of Science in General Science and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant upon graduation in May of 2000.
After TBS, he reported to Naval Air Training Command, Pensacola, Florida and was designated a Naval Aviator in November 2002. He then reported to Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron (HMT) 302, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 29, at MCAS New River, North Carolina for training in the CH-53E Super Stallion. His first fleet assignment was with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 461 from 2003 to 2008. During this period, he deployed to the Horn of Africa with HMH-461 Det B in 2004 and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary with HMM-261 (REIN) to Iraq from 2005-2006. Upon return, Col Trimble attended WTI 1-07 graduating in October 2006. As a Weapons and Tactics Instructor, Col Trimble deployed for a second tour to the Horn of Africa. Upon return in August 2008, Col Trimble served as Operations Officer until he detached January 2009.
From January 2009 until June 2011, Col Trimble was assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One serving as a CH-53 instructor qualified in both the CH-53E and CH-53D helicopter. He also served as the MAWTS-1 Standardization Officer. In June 2011 Col Trimble executed orders to attend Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Montgomery, AL. Col Trimble was a Distinguished Graduate and graduated with his master’s degree in Military Operational Art and Science.
From June 2012 until May 2015, Col Trimble reported to Marine Air Group 29 for duty with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 as the Operations Officer. In June 2013 Col Trimble reported to VMM-263 to assume duties as the Operations Officer for subsequent chop as the VMM-263 (REIN) ACE Operations Officer and Future Plans Officer for the 22nd MEU. In December 2014, Col Trimble reported back to HMH-464 as the Operations Officer until his detach date of May 2015.
From June 2015 until May 2018 Col Trimble checked into the HQMC Aviation in the Pentagon to assume duties as APW-51, Heavy Lift Requirements Officer for Deputy Commandant for Aviation.
In June 2018 he executed orders to MAG-29 and served as the Commanding Officer of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 (HMH-464) until June of 2020.
Col Trimble attended Marine Corps War College from June 2020 until June 2021 and graduated with a Masters in Strategic Studies with a follow-on tour to Defense Intelligence Agency, Partner Mission Integration as a DoD Executive Agent to SecDef and CJCS; most recent the Chief of Foreign Engagement Division & Defense Foreign Liaison.
Col Trimble assumed duties as the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Commander aboard Camp Lejeune, NC on 12 July 2023.
He is married to the former Karen Jean Smith of Pensacola, FL and they have 3 children, Nathan (17), Riley (15), and Noah (11).
His personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with one gold star, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.