John Estrada | |
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Estrada in September 2013
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|
U.S. Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago | |
In office March 17, 2016 – January 20, 2017 |
|
President | Barack Obama |
Preceded by | Margaret Diop (acting) |
15th Sergeant Major of the U.S. Marine Corps | |
In office June 26, 2003 – April 25, 2007 |
|
President | George W. Bush |
Preceded by | Alford L. McMichael |
Succeeded by | Carlton Kent |
Personal details | |
Born |
September 27, 1955 Laventille, Trinidad and Tobago |
Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Cote |
Occupation | Marine, ambassador |
Website | http: |
Military service | |
Allegiance | United States of America |
Service/branch | U.S. Marine Corps |
Years of service | September 1973 – June 2007 |
Rank | Sergeant Major of USMC |
Commands | Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps |
Battles/wars |
Persian Gulf War Operation Southern Watch Iraq War |
Awards |
Navy Distinguished Service Medal Bronze Star |
John Learie Estrada (born September 27, 1955) is the former United States Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago and a former U.S. Marine who served as the 15th Sergeant Major of the U.S. Marine Corps from 2003 to 2007. Estrada stepped down from that post on April 25, 2007, turning over the billet to the next sergeant major, Carlton Kent. Estrada then retired from the military in June 2007, after over 34 years of service. He has also worked as a senior manager for Lockheed Martin Training Solutions from 2008 onward.
Estrada was nominated to be the U.S. Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago in July 2013, was approved for the position on February 12, 2016 and became the ambassador in March 2016.
Estrada was born in Laventille, Trinidad and Tobago in 1955. He immigrated to the United States as a teenager and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1988.
Estrada enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on September 19, 1973, and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina. After completing F-4 aircraft maintenance schools at Naval Air Station Memphis, and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Private First Class Estrada was assigned to VMFA-451 at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina in March 1974.
In December 1974, Lance Corporal Estrada was transferred to VMFA-232, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. He was meritoriously promoted to Corporal in March 1975.