Major, U.S. Marine Corps

Major Chandler Seagraves was born in Quantico, Virginia, but considers Meridian, Mississippi, home. In 1988 he graduated from New Bern Senior High School in New Bern, North Carolina, where he wrestled, played football and was the captain of the baseball team. He attended Mississippi State University where he completed the pre-veterinary medicine curriculum and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in poultry science. Chandler walked on to the Bulldogs football team and was selected as a member of its "Twelfth-Man" program.

Chandler was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps in May 1992 through the Platoon Leader's Course (PLC) Program and reported to Quantico, Virginia, for The Basic School (TBS) in August 1993. He reported to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida, for primary flight training as a Naval Flight Officer (NFO). After receiving his wings of gold in September 1995, Chandler completed the Electronic Warfare Officers Course at Corry Station, Pensacola, Florida, and reported to NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, in January 1996 for training as an Electronic Countermeasures Officer (ECMO) in the EA-6B Prowler.

In September 1996 he joined Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 4 (VMAQ 4) "Seahawks" in Aviano, Italy, and flew operations over Bosnia/Herzegovina in support of Operation Decisive Endeavor. In 1998 Chandler deployed a second time to Aviano, Italy, in support of Operation Deliberate Guard. During his tour with the Seahawks, Chandler served as the adjutant and the power plants/line division officer.

Chandler reported to the Commanding General, Second Marine Aircraft Wing in February 1998 at Marine Corp Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina, as the fixed-wing action officer and assistant electronic warfare officer.

He transferred to NAS Pensacola, Florida, in October 1999 for duty as a flight instructor with the Training Squadron 86 (VT 86) "Sabrehawks" to train naval flight officers in advanced tactical jet navigation. He served as the executive assistant, schedules officer, standardization officer and was appointed the subject matter expert (SME) for advanced tactical jet navigation by the Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA). During this tour, Chandler was selected as the 2001 MCAA Marine Naval Flight Officer Instructor of the Year.