JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- Lt. Col. Joshua Anderson took command of the 313th Airlift Squadron here Feb. 6.
“To the mighty 313th, it’s an absolute honor to be entrusted with the Air Force Reserve’s most valuable asset—each and every one of you,” said Anderson as he addressed the men and women of his squadron. “I’m so excited to be a part of it. I promise to work extremely hard on your behalf and give the 313th 113 percent. Together we can build upon the foundation of greatness.”
Anderson is a command pilot with more than 3,700 flight hours including 650 combat hours on aircrafts T-37, T-1, C-17 and B-737.
During the ceremony, Anderson thanked the outgoing squadron commander, Lt. Col. Jason Allen, for his leadership and the hand-off of command.
“Thank you, Jason, for leaving the squadron in such great shape,” said Anderson. “I feel like I won the lottery -- your reputation proceeds you, 313th, and I am humbled to accept this opportunity.
Anderson has flown in support of multiple combat and humanitarian operations, including Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn. Before taking command, Anderson served as the chief of training and assistant chief pilot for the 97th Airlift Squadron here.
Anderson is a traditional Reservist. In his civilian capacity, he is a first officer in the United States airline industry.
Though the pandemic prevented a large gathering for the ceremony, the event was live streamed on Facebook for squadron members, families and friends to virtual attend.