Major Mitchell R. Pederson was born in Pensacola, Florida, and raised in Charles Town, West Virginia. He attended The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, and graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Major Pederson reported to Officer Candidate School (OCS) and commissioned in August of 2009. He then reported to and completed training at The Basic School (TBS) in April 2010. Afterwards he reported directly to the Center of Advanced Operational Culture Learning (CAOCL) where he studied foreign language until completing in October 2010. He then proceeded to primary and advanced flight school in Pensacola, Florida, and was designated a naval aviator on September 14, 2012. He was selected for training as a UH-1Y Helicopter pilot and reported to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron (HMLAT) 303 aboard Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Camp Pendleton, California, in December 2012.

In March 2013, Major Pederson reported to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 169 aboard MCAS Camp Pendleton. During his tenure with the World Famous Vipers, Major Pederson worked in the Operations section, Supply section, was the Squadron Legal Officer, and instructor pilot in the UH-1Y. In November 2014, he reported to Expeditionary Warfare Training Group, Pacific, to receive instruction in Tactical Air Control Party operations as a Forward Air Controller. In May 2015, he reported to 1st Tank Battalion at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California. He served as a Forward Air Controller and the Battalion Air Officer during his time with tanks. Afterwards, he reported back to HMLA-169 in May 2016 and deployed to Okinawa, Japan. Throughout his time with the Vipers he conducted joint and multi-national training in Okinawa, mainland Japan, and South Korea. Upon returning from deployment, he completed Expeditionary Warfare School (EWS) Non-Resident Seminar onboard Camp Pendleton.

In July 2018, Major Pederson reported to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS) MCAS Yuma. He transitioned to the HH-1N to execute Search and Rescue missions, as well as transition to the UC-12F to conduct transport missions. He served as the Assistant Operations Officer and the Operations Officer.

In April 2020, Major Pederson assumed his current position as the Executive Officer for H&HS MCAS Yuma.