John David Ledford
Akima/Goldbelt
Vacaville,California
22
years of professional experience
Operations leader and U.S. Air Force veteran with 20 years of progressive experience in air cargo, passenger services, and aircraft ground operations. As First Sergeant, advised senior leadership on employee relations, discipline, and morale for 154+ personnel and led the response to a COVID-19 outbreak affecting 20% of the workforce while sustaining the mission. Processed 500 short-notice personnel for worldwide deployments, coordinated with 7 agencies to train 800 personnel in rapid-turnaround aircraft loading, and led the readiness effort to deploy 160 personnel and 2,000+ items for the unit’s first-ever full squadron deployment. Oversaw training and standards evaluation across 5 squadrons while serving in a role two ranks above my own. Skilled in safety and regulatory compliance, crisis management, stakeholder coordination, and 24/7 worldwide operations.
Work History
Pilot Scheduler/Training Manager
1 Year 1 Month- Scheduled 115 pilots for 20+ World-wide operational mission, and 40+ training missions per month.
- Ensured proper crew complement & training requirements met for associated overseas mission/local training sortie
- Coordinated with and provided recommendations to Director of Operations, Resource Managers, Training Officers, Deployment Managers, 60th Operations Group/Wing leadership, and other stakeholders for 170-member squadron
- Complied with Air Force directives, policies, and technical orders; ensured safety of aircrew/13x C-17 aircraft valued at $202M each to mitigate Operational Risk Management (ORM) & comply with Air Force & FAA regulations
C-17 Loadmaster Evaluator and Evaluations Flight Chief/Readiness Flight Chief/Operations Flight Chief
5 Years- Implemented an Engines Running Operations training program, coordinating with 7 agencies to procure aircraft, cargo, and training flights and train 800 personnel in time-critical loading, directly preparing Airmen for combat deployments
- Launched on short notice mission in support of Operation Allies Refuge to evacuate Afghans and Marines out of Afghanistan
- As Flight Chief, I oversaw the process of identifying, issuing, and tracking more than 2,000 training items and requirements of over 160 personnel for the unit’s first-ever full squadron deployment.
Mission Planning Course Instructor
3 Years- Instructed 12 courses per year (approximately 180 students annually) on mission planning for special operations teams establishing bare bases in deployed locations
- Authored a new course syllabus to align training with current operations and standards, keeping curriculum relevant and compliant
- Designed and launched a virtual Zoom course during COVID-19 restrictions, maintaining training delivery with no interruption to the mission pipeline
C-17 Loadmaster
4 Years 6 Months- Accumilated over 3000 hours as a C-17 Loadmaster where I supervised load teams in loading aircraft, ensuring proper cargo restraint and computing weight and balance for safe, on-time departures.
- Trained and mentored new loadmasters on the job, building qualified crew members and strengthening unit readiness
- Selected to fill a leadership position designated for personnel two ranks higher, reflecting leadership’s confidence in my judgment and performance
- Launched on short notice mission in support of Operation Allies Refuge to evacuate Afghans and Marines out of Afghanistan.
Contingency Response Wing Unit Deployment Manager
1 Year- Served as Wing Deployment Expert, processing 500 short-notice Airmen for worldwide deployments with accurate documentation, equipment, and readiness requirements
Aerial Port Non-Commissioned Officer
1 Year- Served as Team Chief on 2 presidential support missions in support of the NATO summit, supervising the loading and restraint of 5 motorcade vehicles (2 limousines and 3 SUVs) for international transport
Aerial Port Craftsman
4 Years- Served as Shift Lead for the Passenger Service Flight, supervising the processing of more than 500 passengers per week for worldwide travel
Education
Associates Degree - Transportation
Associates Degree - Aviation Operations
Associate of Science - Professional Aeronautics
- currently 65% complete
- GPA: 3.6
Skills
Aircraft weight and balance expert
Hazardous Material Handler and Inspector
Passenger processing
Microsoft Office
TEAMS
Time and task management
Crew resource management
Scheduling software
Personal Information
- Title: C-17 Loadmaster
- Availability: Current
Awards
Squadron Non-Commissioned Officer of the year (2023)
STEP (Stripes for Execptional Performers) Promoted (2017)
Squadron Instructor of the year (2019)
Air Medal (6)
Aerial Achievement Medal (2)
Timeline
Pilot Scheduler/Training Manager
Akima/Goldbelt
10.2025 - CurrentRead More
C-17 Loadmaster Evaluator and Evaluations Flight Chief/Readiness Flight Chief/Operations Flight Chief
01.2020 - 01.2025Read More
Mission Planning Course Instructor
01.2017 - 01.2020Read More
C-17 Loadmaster
United Sates Air Force
03.2013 - 09.2017Read More
Contingency Response Wing Unit Deployment Manager
US Air Force
01.2011 - 01.2012Read More
Aerial Port Non-Commissioned Officer
US Air Force
01.2010 - 01.2011Read More
Aerial Port Craftsman
US Air Force
01.2005 - 01.2009Read More
Community College of the Air Force
Associates Degree from Aviation Operations
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Community College of the Air Force
Associates Degree from Transportation
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Embry Riddle
Associate of Science from Professional Aeronautics
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