JOSEPH LITTLE
Summary
Experienced senior leader in aerospace program management, strategic operations, and advanced technology testing. Demonstrated expertise in leading large teams, driving innovation, and overseeing complex projects from development to execution. Successfully managed a $2.1B portfolio of next-generation aviation programs, including the new B-21 stealth bomber, Air Force One, and T-7 trainer jet. Strong focus on digital transformation, modeling, and simulation. Proven track record in operational planning, organizational leadership, and cross-functional collaboration within high-stakes environments.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
COMMANDER
Air Force Operational Test & Evaluation Center (AFOTEC), Detachment 5
01.2023 - Current
- Led multi-site operations & personnel management: Directed a team of 165 professionals across five locations, overseeing the execution of a $1B+ aircraft test program with a $2M+ annual budget.
- Top-ranked executive leader: Recognized as the #1 of 8 senior executives within the organization, reporting directly to the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force.
- Strategic industry collaboration: Partnered with top-tier aerospace executives to define and exceed operational, suitability, and sustainability benchmarks for frontline aircraft.
- Data-driven decision-making & innovation: Integrated digital modeling & simulation into test planning, delivering high-impact, data-backed insights to Air Force leadership from contract award through Initial Operational Test & Evaluation (IOT&E).
DEPUTY GROUP COMMANDER, 753D TEST & EVALUATION GROUP
53d Wing, USAF
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Directly assists the Executive Director and serves in their place during absence to command a group consisting of 9 squadrons, 1 detachment, and 495 personnel across 11 states and 5 different aircraft types
- Ranked number 5 out of 108 senior managers (95th percentile) in highly competitive test wing recognized across the USAF for its highly experienced and trained aircrew directly responsible for evaluating all new capabilities for the Combat Air Force
- Oversaw test management administration, reporting, and processes necessary per DoD acquisition law for all USAF bombers (B-1, B-2, B-21, and B-52); interfaced with industry and appropriate program offices for multiple advanced programs valued at $2.6B and ensured key milestone and test points were met on-time and on-budget
- Key liaison between Air Combat Command and Air Force Global Strike Command for B-21 manning, future main operating base stand-up, and initial operational test and evaluation
COMMANDER
49th Test & Evaluation Squadron, USAF
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Squadron commander charged with B-52 Stratofortress operational test and nuclear weapons system evaluation for the USAF
- Successfully pivoted squadron to prepare for the largest modernization effort the B-52 had undergone in its 60-year existence, valued at $2.7B
- Personally oversaw the execution of $50M airborne nuclear weapon live-fly evaluations and effectively communicated the results directly to the Air Force Chief of Staff and Commander, United States Strategic Command
- Directed and accountable for all operations of B-52 test squadron including 74 operators, maintenance, weapons, instrumentation, and software/engineering personnel; ranked as one of the top squadron commanders in highly competitive wing charged with operational testing for the Combat Air Force
- Executed Air Combat Command/Air Force Global Strike Command $50MM annual Nuclear Weapons Evaluation for B-52 and fighter aircraft to validate strategic national defense capabilities
BRANCH CHIEF, NUCLEAR PLANNING AND BOMBER DETERRENCE
United States Strategic Command
01.2014 - 01.2017
- B-2 and B-52 planning expert responsible for designing the operational employment of strategic weapons to directly enforce the Commander in Chief’s National Defense Strategy
- Directly assisted 2-star general in strategic planning of global bomber movements to enforce National Defense Strategy against peer/near-peer adversaries, coordinated input from multiple stakeholders to achieve uniform joint recommendations
- Delivered quarterly plans for approval directly to 4-star commander of United States Strategic Command; operations were briefed to the Secretary of Defense
B-52 WEAPONS SYSTEMS OFFICER (WSO), WEAPONS SCHOOL GRADUATE
USAF
01.2001 - 01.2013
- Combat-proven B-52 aviator with nearly 600 combat hours over Iraq and Afghanistan; consistently ranked in Top 5% among peers
- Lead WSO of 10-ship of B-52s for 'Shock & Awe' cruise-missile employment during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM; exceptional and demonstrated ability to operate under high-pressure situations
- Personally charged with inspecting nuclear weapons during exercises to ensure nation’s strategic bomber fleet was in a constant state of readiness
- 3000+ hours in high-performance aircraft (B-52, F-16, B-1) using modern sensors such as advanced targeting pods, AESA radars, and advanced weapons
Education
Professional Certificate - Program Management
CORNELL UNIVERSITY
01.2021
Certificate of completion -
Advanced Military Leadership And Strategy School
Maxwell AFB, Alabama01.2018
Masters of Military Operational Art and Science -
AIR UNIVERSITY, AIR COMMAND & STAFF COLLEGE
Maxwell AFB, Alabama01.2014
Masters of Aeronautical Science -
EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY
Daytona Beach, FL01.2010
Bachelor of Arts - History
NORWICH UNIVERSITY, THE MILITARY COLLEGE OF VERMONT
Northfield, Vermont01.2001
Skills
- Team management
- Operations management
- Organizational development
- Executive leadership
Additional Information - Personal Interests
Husband and father; outdoor sports enthusiast (skiing, mountain biking, sailing, camping, hiking, scuba diving, etc.)
Timeline
COMMANDER
Air Force Operational Test & Evaluation Center (AFOTEC), Detachment 5
01.2023 - Current
DEPUTY GROUP COMMANDER, 753D TEST & EVALUATION GROUP
53d Wing, USAF
01.2020 - 01.2023
COMMANDER
49th Test & Evaluation Squadron, USAF
01.2017 - 01.2020
BRANCH CHIEF, NUCLEAR PLANNING AND BOMBER DETERRENCE
United States Strategic Command
01.2014 - 01.2017
B-52 WEAPONS SYSTEMS OFFICER (WSO), WEAPONS SCHOOL GRADUATE
USAF
01.2001 - 01.2013
Masters of Military Operational Art and Science -
AIR UNIVERSITY, AIR COMMAND & STAFF COLLEGE
Bachelor of Arts - History
NORWICH UNIVERSITY, THE MILITARY COLLEGE OF VERMONT
Professional Certificate - Program Management
CORNELL UNIVERSITY
Certificate of completion -
Advanced Military Leadership And Strategy School
Masters of Aeronautical Science -
EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY
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