Adrian Cruz
Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps
Los Angeles,CA
1
Certification
12
years of professional experience
Professional leader with proven background in military operations and team management with over 8 years of experience in aviation and logistics management within the U.S. Air Force. Demonstrated expertise in overseeing multi-million dollar budgets, managing large-scale personnel operations, and executing complex aviation missions. Proven ability to implement critical policies and training programs that enhance operational efficiency and safety, while successfully executing high-stakes airlift missions for key government officials. Committed to leveraging leadership skills and operational knowledge to contribute effectively as a First Officer in a dynamic aviation environment.
Work History
Detachment Commander
1 Year 1 Month- Commanded and directed an Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps unit, focusing on the recruitment, training, and mentorship of future officers. Oversaw the academic and leadership development of cadets while managing unit operations and budgetary responsibilities.
- Oversaw training and development for 63 cadets representing 24 Los Angeles universities, guiding key professional development initiatives and career immersion visits with local industry partners.
- Established bold Detachment Lines of Effort focused on direction, culture, empowerment, and engagement to sharpen cadets' creative thinking, critical thinking, and decision-making skills that produce agile, mission-ready leaders for the Department of the Air Force.
- Strengthened cross-detachment collaboration by sharing a local intelligence resource with 3 Los Angeles-area AFROTC Detachment Commanders to elevate threat awareness and enabled implementation of critical safety measures to safeguard both cadre and cadets.
Director of Maintenance Operations
1 Year 4 Months- Directed maintenance operations for the largest unit within the Air Force Materiel Command, focusing on safety, training, and operational readiness. Managed a diverse team responsible for multiple aircraft types and supported worldwide airlift missions.
- Commanded airlift missions in advanced military aircraft, successfully executing multiple Special Airlift Assignment Missions, which enabled diplomatic visits for key leaders including the Vice President and Congressional delegates.
- Directed the Air Force Materiel Command's (AMC) largest Maintenance Operations Unit, overseeing discipline, safety, and training for 144 active duty and civilian personnel supporting 55 C-5, C-17, KC-10, and KC-46 aircraft valued at $9.2 billion.
- Identified key proficiency and experience shortfalls within Unit Training Managers (UTM) and instituted a training plan that consolidated upgrades and completed 250 tasks without sacrificing regular Unit Training Manager functions across five units.
Director of Operations
1 Year 11 Months- Senior operations role overseeing logistics and resource management for military and humanitarian missions. Directed complex air operations while managing significant budgets and personnel movements in high-stakes environments.
- Executed Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) Commander's Ultimate Caduceus 24 mass casualty exercise as the 60th Air Mobility Wing Catastrophe Director/Chief of Staff.
- Led Air/Special Staff in the execution of a $300 million budget, recovery of $573 million in aircraft assets, 34 Human Resources engagements, 130 medical evacuations, obtaining 1,600 diplomatic clearances, and Secretary of Defense-directed rapid beddown of 54 aircraft and over 1,400 personnel.
- Managed 168 personnel across 17 functional teams and 8 Major General Functional Elements responsible for the execution of over 3,400 combat sorties, 17,000 flight hours, 19 million pounds of cargo, and 65 million pounds of air refueling.
- Excelled while deployed as Chief of Staff and seamlessly executed Air Mobility Command's largest recorded aeromedical evacuation exercise, both at home station and in a deployed environment.
Chief of Aviation Safety
3 Years- Oversaw aviation safety programs within a major defense organization, advising senior leadership on compliance and risk management. Managed safety processes for a large portfolio, ensuring effective support for numerous acquisition and sustainment programs.
- Executed safety Program Management Review, providing the Center Commander with comprehensive safety program assessments and improvements for over 28,000 personnel.
- Represented Air Force Materiel Command at the Air Force Safety Center conference, enhancing safety coordination and compliance with safety investigation board recommendations.
- Oversaw the Center Hazard Review Board, addressing 701 Class A and B hazards while implementing critical corrective actions and aircraft Technical Order modifications.
Earlier Career
3 Years- Progressive leadership in aviation operations with a focus on airlift missions and training program management. Demonstrated ability to execute complex missions while enhancing operational readiness and team effectiveness throughout military career.
- Executed Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff combat airlift mission that delivered top U.S. General to critical meeting with Turkish officials, contributing to post-coup strategic actions.
- Directed training program upgrades and requalifications for the 15th Airlift Squadron, achieving a 'Highly Effective' rating during Unit Effectiveness Inspections.
- Coordinated 57 Junior ROTC base visits at Joint Base Charleston, effectively showcasing the base mission and capabilities to local youth.
- Transported 170,900 pounds of cargo, equipment, and personnel in support of the President of the United States and Department of Defense operations.
Education
Master of Criminal Justice - Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Skills
Airmanship
Personnel and operations management
Safety Oversight
Leadership & Coordination
Cross-Functional Team Coordination
Financial Oversight
Budget Management
Regulatory Compliance
Implementing policies
Certification
- C-17A Instructor Pilot
- Issued: Nov 2022
Timeline
Detachment Commander
Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps
07.2025 - CurrentRead More
Director of Maintenance Operations
60th Maintenance Group, U.S. Air Force
06.2023 - 10.2024Read More
Director of Operations
21st Airlift Squadron, U.S. Air Force
07.2021 - 06.2023Read More
Chief of Aviation Safety
Air Force Life Cycle Management Center
07.2018 - 07.2021Read More
Earlier Career
01.2015 - 01.2018Read More
Fayetteville State University
Bachelor of Science from Criminal Justice
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New Mexico State University
Master of Criminal Justice from Criminal Justice
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