Lieutenant General (retired) Duane D. Thiessen, call sign “Drano,” started flying the AV-8A Harrier in 1976.  Over his 38 year career in the Marine Corps, he accumulated 3000 hours flying the Harrier, half of which were in the AV-8A and half in the AV-8B.

His command assignments included a Detachment with 22nd MEU, VMAT-203, MAG-13, 1st MAW, and MARFORPAC.  His DC assignments included Deputy PMA-257, head of Aviation Plans and Policy,  Deputy to Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research and Development-Expeditionary Programs, National Military Command Center team lead, Marine Corps Inspector General, and Deputy Commandant for Programs and Resources. He also attended both the Navy Command and Staff College and the National War College.

“Drano” considers the highlight of his career to have been the honor and privilege of serving with like minded Marines of all ranks, in common cause, associated with the phenomenal Harrier we all loved and respected.