Master Sergeant (MSgt) Gaona is currently serving as the Senior Enlisted Leader for the Lead Special Trial Counsel of the Marine Corps, Office of the Special Trial Counsel, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps (HQMC), in Arlington, VA.
Jonathan Gaona enlisted in the Marine Corps on 13 February 2006 and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, CA, where he was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class (PFC). Upon graduation, he attended Marine Combat Training at Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Pendleton, CA. In August 2006, he graduated from the Naval Justice School and was assigned the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of 4421, Legal Services Specialist.
PFC Gaona reported to the Joint Law Center, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS), Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, CA, in September 2006. He was promoted to Lance Corporal in June 2007 and received a meritorious promotion to Corporal (Cpl) in March 2008. During this tour, Cpl Gaona served as Legal Assistance Clerk, Civil Law Chief, SAUSA Clerk, and Post-Trial & Review NCOIC. Outside his primary duties, he served on the MCAS Miramar Burial Detail.
In July 2008, Cpl Gaona deployed forward to Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He reported to Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. During this deployment, he served as SJA NCOIC and Personal Security Detail to the Commanding General (CG), Multi-National Force-West.
Cpl Gaona reported to the Region Legal Service Office Mid-Atlantic (RLSO MIDLANT), U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, Naval Station Norfolk, VA, in December 2009. He was promoted to Sergeant (Sgt) in April 2010. During this tour, Sgt Gaona served as Trial Department NCOIC. Outside his primary duties, he served as a Command Fitness Leader.
In August 2011, Sgt Gaona deployed forward to Camp Phoenix, Kabul, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He reported to Combined Joint Interagency Task Force 435, U.S. Marine Forces Central Command. During this deployment, he served as Legal Technician and Convoy Operations NCOIC. Outside his primary duties, he served as Combat Master Driver, Paralegal to the Convening Authority for Detainee Review Boards, Aide-de-Camp for the Deputy Commanding General, and Flag Writer to the CG.
Sgt Gaona reported to the Legal Services Support Team, MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, HI, in December 2013. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant (SSgt) in May 2014. In April 2015, SSgt Gaona graduated from the Legal Services Court Reporter Course and was assigned the additional MOS of 4422. During this tour, SSgt Gaona served as Administrative Law/Support SNCOIC and Post-Trial & Review Court Reporter Chief.
In March 2016, SSgt Gaona reported to Judge Advocate Division (JAD), HQMC, Washington, D.C. He was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt) in January 2018. During this tour, GySgt Gaona served as Information Plans and Programs Chief and the Defense Services Organization Chief to the Chief Defense Counsel of the Marine Corps.
GySgt Gaona reported to the Basic Recruiters Course at MCRD San Diego, CA, in February 2019. Upon graduation, he was assigned the additional MOS of 8411. He reported to Recruiting Sub-Station Memorial City, Recruiting Station Houston, TX, 8th Marine Corps District, in May 2019. During this tour, he served as Canvassing Recruiting and Recruiting Sub-Station Commander.
In December 2021, GySgt Gaona reported to Legal Services Support Section (LSSS), MCB Camp Pendleton, CA, where he served as the Trial Services Chief and Regional Legal Services Chief. He was promoted to MSgt in February 2023. In June 2023, he reported to the Law Center, H&HS, MCAS Miramar, CA, where he served as the Legal Services Chief.
MSgt Gaona reported to JAD, HQMC, Washington, D.C., in April 2024. He served as Executive Assistant for the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps until he was selected to serve in his current billet.
MSgt Gaona’s personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (w/three gold stars in lieu of the fourth award), the Joint Service Achievement Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (w/four gold stars in lieu of the fifth award). He has an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts from Saint Leo University and is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.