Major Brian Psolka attended the United States Naval Academy attaining a B.S. in Political Science in May 2002. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and graduated from The Basic School with Fox company in March of 2003. In April 2003, 2ndLt Psolka reported to MATSG-21 in Pensacola for Naval Flight School. After training at NAS Corpus Christi and NAS North Whiting, he was winged as a Naval Aviator in February 2005.
After earning his wings, First Lieutenant Psolka reported to HMM(T)-164 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California for initial training in the CH-46E. In July 2005, First Lieutenant Psolka was assigned to HMM-268 “Red Dragons” where he initially served as the Assistant S-5 Officer. First Lieutenant Psolka deployed with the Red Dragons in February of 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon return from deployment, he became the Flight Line Officer in Charge, was promoted to Captain in November of 2006, and deployed with the Red Dragons again in 2007. Upon returning from deployment, Captain Psolka attended WTI 2-08 and was designated a Weapons and Tactics Instructor. Returning to the squadron as the Pilot Training Officer, he deployed a third time with HMM-268 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In the summer of 2009, Captain Psolka reported to Expeditionary Warfare School in Quantico Virginia and applied for transition to the MV-22B Osprey. After completing Expeditionary Warfare School, Captain Psolka served as an Academics Instructor and summer augment for Officer Candidate School. In August 2010, Captain Psolka transferred to MCAS Miramar for transition training in the MV-22 Osprey and served as the Pilot Training Officer, and later the Quality Assurance Officer of VMM-561 “Pale Horse” during the reactivation of the squadron. In July of 2012, the squadron deactivated and Captain Psolka moved to Okinawa to join VMM-265 where he served as the S-4 Officer and was promoted to Major. Major Psolka assumed responsibilities as the Operations Officer and deployed with VMM-265(REIN) while serving as the 31st MEU ACE OPSO. During those deployments, the squadron participated in Operation Damayan in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines and the search efforts for the Korean ferry Sewol. Maj Psolka moved back to Southern California in July 2015 to become the Aircraft Maintenance Officer for VMM-164 during its transition and stand-up as a VMM. Following VMM-164, Maj Psolka reported to 1st Marine Division in May 2016 as the Deputy Air Officer. While there, he supported Exercises Steel Knight, Desert Scimitar, MEFEX, Summer Fury, and Scorpion Fire.
Major Psolka’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with Strike/Flight numeral 12, the Navy Commendation Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, and the Navy Achievement Medal.