HT-18 Leadership

Executive Officer

Col Stephen M. Piantanida graduated from the University of North Florida in December 2003 and was commissioned via the PLC program a Second Lieutenant in March 2004. Upon completion of The Basic School, Col Piantanida reported for flight training at NAS Pensacola, FL. He was winged a Naval Aviator in April 2007 and reported to HMLA/T-303 at Camp Pendleton, CA for instruction as an AH-1W pilot.

In September 2007, Col Piantanida was assigned to HMLA-167, where he served as the Flight Equipment OIC and Legal Officer. In March of 2008 Col Piantanida deployed with HMLA-167 in support of OIF. In February 2009, Col Piantanida deployed with HMLA-167 in support of OEF. In February 2010, Col Piantanida reported to 2nd Battalion 9th Marines to serve as a Forward Air Controller deploying to OEF in July 2010.

April 2011, Col Piantanida reported back to HMLA-167 where he served as the Flightline Officer, Assistant Maintenance Officer, Tactics Officer in Charge, and Weapons and Tactics Instructor deploying to OEF in April 2013.

June 2014, Col Piantanida reported to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One in June of 2014 to serve as an Instructor Pilot in the AH-1 Division.

Col Piantanida reported to MAG-29 in July 2017 and was assigned to HMLA-167, where he served as the Maintenance Officer and Executive Officer. In February 2019, Col Piantanida converted to the AH-1Z.

In April 2020, Col Piantanida reported to Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) in Quantico, VA. While at HMX-1 Col Piantanida served as the Manpower OIC, Flight Officer, and Operations Officer.

In July 2024, Col Piantanida reported to MATSG-21 in Pensacola, FL and assumed the role of Executive Officer.

In September 2025, Col Piantanida reported to HT-18.