Air Force Reserve 302nd Fighter Squadron Welcomes New Commander

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Dana Rosso
  • 477th Fighter Group Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  The 302nd Fighter Squadron welcomes its new commander, Lt. Col. Kevin Sutterfield, during a ceremony held here Oct. 3.

As one of the founding members of the Total Force Initiative in the F-22, Sutterfield has led at all levels of the organization from flight commander, through director of operations, and is known for his innovative tactic development and combat leadership.

"It's an incredible honor to lead a unit that has both an important history and a strategic role in the future of airpower." said Sutterfield. "Along with our Total Force partners in the 3rd Wing, the 302nd Fighter Squadron is ready to answer our nation's call for airpower... anytime, anywhere."

As the commander, Sutterfield is responsible for preparing and leading Airmen into combat operations world-wide in partnership with the 3rd Wing's 90th and 525th Fighter Squadrons, also stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

He began his military career after graduating and earned his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1997. After pilot training, he was assigned to Elmendorf AFB., Eglin AFB, and Langley AFB, rising to flight examiner and weapons officer while flying the F-15C.  He served on active duty until joining the Air Force Reserve in 2007 where he serves currently as an Air Reserve Technician. He is a command pilot with more than 3000 flying hours including combat experience in both the F-15 and F-22.