BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- The 343rd Bomb Squadron welcomed its new commander in a change of command ceremony here, Jan.31.
Lt. Col. Jesse Hildebrand replaced Lt. Col. Michael Green as commander in a ceremony presided over by Col. David Anderson, 307th Operations Group commander
“It is a huge privilege to command,” said Hildebrand. “I’m looking forward to what the 343rd will do to continue in the tradition of those that came before us and what they will do to build upon that legacy.”
Hildebrand was raised in Longview, Texas and originally enlisted in the Air Force Reserve as a medical technician in 1995.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication from Stephen F. Austin State University and his Masters of Science in Military Operational Art and Science from the Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. Hildebrand commissioned through Officer Training School.
Hildebrand was first assigned to the 93rd Bomb Squadron in 2003 as a B-52 Stratofortress pilot. There held roles as an aircraft commander, instructor pilot, flight commander, Assistant Director of Academic Programs, Chief of Scheduling, and Assistant Director of Operations.
After his time with the 93rd BS, he moved to the 307th Operations Group as the deputy commander where he remained until taking command of the 343rd BS.
Hildebrand has deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He is command pilot with more than 2,900 flight hours, including 61 combat hours.