Major, U.S. Marine Corps

Major Stefan Mueller from Port Washington, New York, graduated from Paul D. Schreiber High School in 1987. He then spent one year at the State University of New York at Buffalo before transferring to the University of Texas at Austin on an engineering scholarship. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in engineering and finance in 1992.

In 1993, Stefan reported to Marine Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia, earning his commission as a second lieutenant in April 1993. Upon completion of The Basic School at Quantico, Stefan reported to flight school at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida. Shortly thereafter, Stefan attended primary flight training in the T-34C at Training Squadron 27 (VT 27) at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas. After graduating from primary flight training and being selected for jet aircraft, he transferred to NAS Meridian, Mississippi, for intermediate flight training in the T-2. Stefan transferred to NAS Kingsville, Texas, where he completed advanced flight training at VT 21 in the T-45 and earned his wings of gold in May 1996. He remained with VT 21 as an instructor pilot as a Selectively Retained Graduate (SERGRAD).

In November 1996, Stefan reported to Marine Corps Training Squadron 101 (VMFAT 101) at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) El Toro, California, for pilot training in the F/A-18. In January 1999, he transitioned to the KC-130 and reported to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Training Squadron 253 (VMGRT 253) at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina.

Stefan's first fleet aviator assignment was with VMGR 252 at MCAS Cherry Point. While there, he served as the logistics department officer in charge and as a flight duty office for the operations department. He made deployments in support of missions to Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Norway, Iceland, Columbia, Costa Rica, and Paraguay. He flew missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bahrain, Stefan's next assignment came in June 2002 as the Second Marine Aircraft Wing plans officer. In July 2003, Stefan was stationed at NAS Whiting Field to be a primary flight instructor.