BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Col. David Anderson assumed command of the 307th Operations Group here June 17.
As commander, he directs the activities of the 307th OG Standardization/Evaluation, 307th Operations Support Squadron, the 93rd Bomb Squadron, the 11th Bomb Squadron and the 343rd Bomb Squadron.
“I’m truly honored,” he said, “by the confidence in my ability to lead the Citizen Airmen in their quest to provide the nuclear underpinnings of our national security.”
Anderson began his military career in 1992, starting as an enlisted F-16 Avionics Technician with the Colorado Air National Guard.
There, he earned his Bachelors of Science degree in Aviation Technology from Metropolitan State College of Denver in 1996.
He served on active duty for 11 years before switching to the Air Force Reserve in 2008 as a full-time Air Reserve Technician.
Anderson is a command pilot with more than 3,300 hours in military fixed and rotary wing aircraft, including 227 combat sorties flown in support of Operations Noble Eagle, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
From 1996 to 2016, Anderson reached numerous educational milestones, including having completed courses from the Harvard School of Business. He also holds two master’s degrees: one in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and one in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College.
Anderson has completed eight professional military education courses, including Air War College and the Reserve Component National Security Course.
He has been stationed in eight states within the U.S. and two different continents since August 1997.
During his speech at the assumption of command ceremony, Anderson hinted at his leadership style.
“Culture is not just one thing; it’s everything,” he said. “Building and maintaining a culture our future success requires is a responsibility I’ll take to heart.”
Anderson is succeeding Col. Robert Burgess, who retired earlier this year.