COLONEL ADAM J. COLE
Colonel (Dr.) Adam J. Cole is the Commander of the 446th Aerospace Medicine Squadron at McChord Field, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. He is responsible for the welfare, readiness, morale, proper utilization and development of the 90 medical squadron members in his charge. The 446th Aerospace Medicine Squadron ensures the medical readiness of approximately 1,500 Reserve Fighter Wing Airmen who serve to meet our Nation’s objectives.
Col Cole received his commission in 2002 and has served more than 19 years in the Air Force Reserve. He began his military career as a Flight Surgeon and has since served in multiple capacities at the squadron and group levels, including in the Squadron Medical Element for the 7th Fighter Squadron at Holloman AFB, N.M. Col Cole has a total of more than 250 flying hours. He’s flown in the F-4, F-16, F-15, UH-60, C-17, and T-38. He was the flight commander for both the 49th and 44th Aeromedical Dental Flights before becoming the squadron commander of the 419 MDS at Hill AFB, Utah.
In the private sector, Doctor Cole is a pathologist focused in the genitourinary and molecular disciplines. He is the founder and executor of a nationally recognized reference pathology lab that diagnoses over 25,000 patients annually. His lab is an innovator in the identification of prostate cancer and it’s genomic subclassification. These subclassifications allow for genomic personalized treatment plans which are critical to targeted therapies.
EDUCATION
1997 Bachelor of Science, Microbiology, Cum Laude, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
1999 Master of Health Science, Duke University, Durham, NC
2006 Medical Degree, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
2015 Anatomic and Clinical Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Fayetteville
ASSIGNMENTS
1. July 2007-June 2011, Flight Surgeon, 49 AMDF, Holloman AFB, N.M.
2. January 2012-September 2014, Flight Surgeon, 19 MDG, Little Rock AFB, Ark.
3. September 2014-May 2021, Flight Surgeon and Flight Commander, 44 AMDF, 301 FW, Tyndall AFB, Fla.
4. June 2021- July 2023, Commander 419 MDS, Hill AFB, Utah
5. August 2023 - Present, Commander 446 AMDS, Joint Base Lewis - McChord, Wash.
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Air and Space Commendation Medal
Meritorious Unit Award Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster
Combat Readiness Medal National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air and Space Longevity Service Award with four oak leaf clusters
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with one hourglass device Air and Space Training Ribbon
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant July 30, 2002
Captain May 28, 2004
Major May 28, 2010
Lieutenant Colonel May 28, 2017
Colonel July 2, 2023
(Current as of Aug 2023)