Andrew Sides

As Operations Group Commander I am responsible for four squadrons: Airlift, Operations Support, Aeromedical Evacuation, and Cyber Operations. I oversee the organization, training, and equipping of 350 personnel, ensuring their combat readiness to support Combatant Commanders around the globe. I ensure our 16+ C-130H3 crews are expertly trained and proficient to execute any mission at any given time. Our Air Evac Crews are highly trained and are always operating in all corners of the globe. And our Cyberspace Warriors are actively prosecuting missions and training for the next fight.

Commands a squadron of seven flights and 44 full-time staff who support and ensure the readiness of the Tactical Airlift Squadron. Created an environment where members felt appreciated and respected. Responsible for training and evaluating 40+ pilots, and served as the Chief Functional Check Flight Pilot.

Commanded an eight C-130H Air National Guard unit. Optimized resources to ensure 112 Tactical Airlifters were at the highest level of combat readiness for rapid global deployment.

Directed Operations of an eight aircraft C-130H unit. Oversaw and enabled training and evaluation of all
Tactical Airlift pilots; ensuring readiness for rapid deployment overseas. Led the Operations Group Functional Check Flight program, providing quality control of the fleet. Deployed as Expeditionary Airlift Squadron
Commander, melding two Air National Guard Squadrons into one max-efficient AEF unit. Recovered four
stranded aircraft in Middle East area of responsibility, two of which were heavily damaged.

Led Standardization and Evaluation during most aggressive period, orchestrating over sixty aircrew member flight evaluations. Ensured Operations Group was 100% mission ready. Unit's go-to instructor and evaluator pilot. Consistently challenged each crew position to improve their skill-set and expand their technical prowess. Attended the Advanced Instrument School to become the unit's Instrument subject matter expert.