Colonel Jay D. Johnson is Commander, 403rd Maintenance Group, 403rd Wing, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. He is responsible for more than 500 personnel who maintain 10 WC-130-J and 10 C-130-J aircraft. The group’s mission is to maintain fleet health in support of tactical airlift missions, aeromedical evacuation missions, and the only Department of Defense aerial weather reconnaissance missions. The group also provides comprehensive logistical support to assigned units by analyzing requirements and estimating capabilities in order to ensure combat readiness.

The colonel is a 1985 graduate from Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He received a direct commission from Deserving Airman Program from the enlisted ranks serving as a maintenance crew chief in 1992.

Prior to this assignment, he served as the Chief of Strategic Plans and Project Management Action Officer, Commander’s Action Group, to the Commander, Air Force Reserve Command. He previously held command and leadership positions in two large maintenance squadrons in AFRC and has deployed to oversee maintenance operations in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. As an Air Reserve Technician, the Colonel holds dual status as a civil service employee and an Air Force reservist.

EDUCATION

1980 Air Force Basic Military Training, Lackland AFB, Texas

1985 Bachelor of Business Administration, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas 2001 Squadron Officers School, by correspondence

2011 Air Command and Staff College, by correspondence

2014 Air War College, by correspondence

ASSIGNMENTS

1.February 1981 – September 1983, Specialist, Airlift/Bombardment Aircraft Maintenance, Dyess AFB, Texas

2.September 1983 – December 1984, Specialist, Ground Radio Communications Equipment, Ellington AFB, Houston, Texas

3.September 1988 – August 1992, Craftsman, Strategic Airlift Aircraft Battle Damage Maintenance, Kelly AFB, Texas

4.September 1992 – November 1996, Officer in Charge, Logistics Plans, 433rd Combat Logistics Support Squadron, Kelly AFB, Texas

5.November 1996 – November 1998, Chief of Distribution, 433rd CLSS, Lackland AFB, Texas

6.November 1998 – November 2002, Officer in Charge, Aircraft Maintenance, 433rd CLSS, Lackland AFB,Texas

7.November 2002 – February 2006, Officer in Charge, Aircraft Maintenance Unit, 433rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Lackland AFB, Texas

8.February 2006 – September 2008, Officer in Charge, Quality Assurance, 433rd MXG, Lackland AFB, Texas

9.September 2008 – September 2009, Commander, 433rd MXS, Lackland AFB, Texas

10.September 2009 – November 2012, Commander, 433rd AMXS, Lackland AFB, Texas

11.November 2012 – November 2014, Command Action Officer, Air Force Reserve Command, Robins AFB, Georgia

12.November 2014 – Present, Commander, 403d Maintenance Group, Keesler AFB, Mississippi

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf cluster

Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters

Joint Service Achievement Medal

Air Force Achievement Medal

Meritorious Unit Award

AF Outstanding Unit Award with three oak leaf clusters

Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster

National Defense Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster

Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold border

Air Force Longevity Service with two oak leaf clusters

Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M” device and two oak leaf clusters

Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (Pistol)

Air Force Training Ribbon with one oak leaf cluster

EFFECTIVE DATE OF PROMOTION

Second Lieutenant Aug. 9, 1992

First Lieutenant Aug. 9, 1994

Captain Oct.8, 1998

Major May 13, 2006

Lieutenant Colonel Aug. 23, 2011

Colonel Jan. 28, 2016

(Current as of February2017)