Photo By Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez | U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Leah Deignan, left, an aviation maintenance officer with...... read more read more
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Two Marine officers stood at attention side by side as the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Commanding General, Maj. Gen. James Wellons, promoted them to the rank of major on Jan. 6, 2025. Majors Connor and Leah Deignan held back smiles as they ceremoniously pinned golden oak leaves onto each other’s collars.
They attended The Basic School concurrently in 2015, after commissioning through Platoon Leaders Courses at their respective universities— Leah from Ball State University and Connor from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. A few years later, they got married.
Now, 10 years into their careers, Connor is a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter pilot assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, while Leah is an aircraft maintenance officer, with Aviation Logistics Department.
Both have faced the challenges and rewards of service. Leah deployed with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Connor has completed three deployments to Okinawa, Japan, with HMH-361 under the Unit Deployment Program.
They weren’t the only Deignans around during the two most recent deployments, though. While Connor was in Okinawa, Leah managed the home front with an infant and a toddler in tow.
“Leah consistently demonstrates the remarkable ability to excel in two demanding roles: being an exceptional mother and a distinguished Marine officer,” said Col. Thomas Fuss, Assistant Chief of Staff, ALD. “She sets the standard for balancing work and life, thriving in both areas. We take immense pride in her performance, as she has provided unparalleled support to all units throughout 3rd MAW.”
Leah credited their success to the unwavering support of family, friends, and the tight-knit network at HMH-361.
“We’ve been able to lean heavily on our family and friends,” she shared. “It was certainly a team effort between our families this past summer, multiple family members flew out from the east coast to help me raise two kids under two.”
Connor’s professionalism and leadership haven’t gone unnoticed either. Lt. Col. Kyleigh Cullen, the HMH-361 commanding officer, spoke highly of his dedication: “Connor is the epitome of professionalism — an exceptional CH-53E pilot and a respected leader in the Flying Tiger Ready Room. His unwavering dedication to the squadron is nothing short of inspiring, and it’s clear that his success is made possible by Leah’s steadfast support. They are a remarkable team, and their partnership enables them to thrive in their every endeavor."
Less than 5% of Marines are married to fellow Marines, and even fewer of those couples have children. The Deignans represent a rare and inspiring example of balancing service, family, and career.
“To be a Marine, married to a Marine, and have a family, is another level of commitment that is just remarkable,” Maj. Gen. Wellons said following the promotion ceremony.
For the Deignans, their journey is one of hard work, sacrifice, and resilience. Moments like this promotion, however, highlight the deeply rewarding nature of their shared service.
“We have always made sure we’ve done what’s best for our children and each other’s career – we’re partners, always ready to support one another and fill the gaps,” Leah reflected. “At the end of the day, we come together as a family and make the most of the time we have.”
| Date Taken: | 01.07.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 01.08.2025 12:21 |
| Story ID: | 488788 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Hometown: | CARLISLE, MASSACHUSETTS, US |
| Hometown: | HUBER HEIGHTS, OHIO, US |
| Web Views: | 78 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Marines, Married, Majors | Third MAW couple promotes together, by MAJ Natalie Batcheler, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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