Scott Kerchner, Marine Corps Veteran

Assistant Chief Pilot, REACH Air Medical Services

Scott Kerchner served in the United States Marine Corps as a Naval Aviator flying helicopters all over the world. He now serves as the Assistant Chief Pilot for REACH Air Medical Services in Southern California and Hawaii, where he is responsible for 44 pilots at 11 bases as well as three Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) reserve pilots and two instructor pilots.

“I’m incredibly proud that I was able to lead in the United States Marines,” said Kerchner. “Leading in the Marines as a naval aviator was truly a dream come true. In my civilian career, I’m proud to work with first-rate helicopter pilots. I try to impart to them what I learned in the military: be humble, attentive and learn everything you can. There is a vast amount of experience in the industry, make sure you take the time to learn from those who might have seen it before.”

Areas of Service

Kerchner served 26 years in the Corps on Naval amphibious ships and in various contingency and combat operations in:

  • The Middle East
  • South America
  • The Far East

Aircraft Flown

Flying missions from ships all over the world, Kerchner is adept at a number of aircraft, including:

  • CH-53 Sea Stallion (Sikorsky S-65) heavy-lift transport helicopter
  • Sikorsky S-53 Super Stallion heavy-lift transport helicopter (additional blades and engine power)

Greatest Military Accomplishments

For Kerchner, leading in the Marines was his life’s ambition and doing it, and doing it well, his greatest accomplishment. A second achievement was earning his Wings of Gold which is:

  • An insignia awarded to those aviators of the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard who have qualified as naval aviators
  • A warfare qualification of the United States military
  • Awarded to a qualified pilot of military aircraft at a special “winging” ceremony