DVIDS – News – Readiness for Action

SAN DIEGO – U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Goad has what Marines call a “penchant for action.” Goad is the powerline section leader with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and president of the VMFA-314 motorcycle club. He has spent his 14-year career on busy airfields and aircraft carrier flight decks, including his current assignment with VMFA-314 aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).

“Situational awareness on the flight deck is paramount,” Goad said. “We tell these Marines to constantly look left and right. Every two seconds. Because one second could mean your life.”

Goad’s vigilance paid off on April 21, 2024, when he saved the life of a fellow motorcyclist during a group motorcycle ride with the San Diego Chapter of the Marine Riders Iwo Jima.

While traveling on Route 76 near Julian, California, an inexperienced driver misjudged a right turn uphill and was struck by an oncoming vehicle. The group turned around and saw the SUV backed onto the injured driver. Goad parked his motorcycle and called 911 as he made his way toward the injured driver.

One rider checked to see if the injured man was conscious while Goad and another quickly examined the injured man. Goad applied a tourniquet with a belt above the rider’s knee. He then noticed another tear in the injured man’s leg and applied a second tourniquet from his motorcycle’s first aid kit.

Emergency room personnel stated that by applying a tourniquet, Goad prevented blood loss that would have been fatal to the injured rider if it had not been applied promptly and correctly.

For his heroism, Goad was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal on July 1, 2024, during a ceremony at Hangar VMFA-314.

“Gunnery Sgt. Goad embodied a penchant for action and acted when others chose the role of spectator,” said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Davis, commanding officer of VMFA-314. “He saved someone’s life and his actions are a testament to his character and leadership.”

When asked about his attitude during the event, Goad said, “I think it comes down to instinct. I’m very aware of my surroundings. I’ve also learned that hesitation at the wrong moment can mean life or death.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, California has more motorcyclists than any other state and more than 800,000 registered motorcycles. While motorcycles made up 3.5% of all registered vehicles in the U.S. in 2021, they accounted for 14% of motor vehicle-related deaths that year.

As an avid motorcyclist and president of the motorcycle club VMFA-314, Goad attaches great importance to safe riding.

“Riding a motorcycle is a fleeting skill, just like getting back on an airplane,” Goad said.

Similar to the attitude of fighter pilots returning to the cockpit after a break, Goad approaches returning to the cockpit after an extended break from riding with a “crawl, walk, run” attitude. Goad leads his motorcycle club through quarterly rides and safety inspection rides with the club’s vice president, Staff Sgt. Matthew Donovan.

The Marine Corps operates the Motorcycle Mentorship Program, which pairs experienced motorcycle riders with less experienced Marines to promote safe riding practices and foster a culture of responsible motorcycle riding and ownership within the Marine Corps. The MMP builds technical skills and develops an attitude of caution and respect for the road in new and experienced motorcycle riders alike.

Goad stresses that riders should “ride at their skill level”, get used to the bike in a controlled area and know how to handle it in different conditions before venturing out onto dynamic roads and into traffic.

Goad’s decisive action, vigilance and commitment to safety extend to his role as power line manager.

“I want to set (my Marines) the best example of a division chief that I can,” Goad said.