Col. Ethan E. Sabin is the Deputy Commander, 57th Wing, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. He is responsible for 36 Squadrons at 12 installations constituting the Air Force’s most diverse flying wing. The wing flies and maintains more than 182 aircraft of the following types: A-10, F-15C/D, F-15E, F-16C/CG/CJ, F-22A, F-35A, and HH-60G. The wing also utilizes E-3, RC-135, E-8, B-1, B-2, B-52, C-130, KC-135, C-17, AC-130J, MC-130, CV-22, and U-28 as well as the MQ-9 remotely piloted aircraft at 12 stateside bases to support the U.S. Air Force Weapon School Syllabus. Col. Sabin is responsible for three groups: 57th Operations Group, 57th Maintenance Group and the U.S. Air Force Weapons School. In addition, he oversees the U.S. Air Force Advanced Maintenance and Munitions Operations School; U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the “Thunderbirds,” Red Flag and Green Flag exercises; and the U.S. Air Force aggressors.
Col. Sabin received his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2004. He is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Weapons School and is a senior pilot with more than 2,100 flying hours in the T-37, T-38, A/OA-10, A-10C, and F- 35A. He has flown combat missions in Operation Enduring Freedom and missions in support of Theater Security Packages. He is originally from Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.
EDUCATION
2004 Bachelor of Science, English, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo.
2010 Fighter Weapons Instructor Course, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.
2011 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2013 Masters of Science, Military Operational Art and Science, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
2017 Masters of Arts. National Security and Strategic Studies, U.S. Naval War College, Newport, R.I.
2022 Masters of Arts, National Resource Strategy, Eisenhower School, National Defense University, Fort. McNair, Washington D.C.
ASSIGNMENTS
1. August 2004 – January 2005, Student, Introductory Flying Training, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo.
2. January 2005 – January 2006, Student, Undergraduate Flying Training, Columbus Air Force Base, Miss.
3. July 2006 – January 2007, Student, A-10 Flying Training Unit, 357th Fighter Squadron, Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.
4. February 2007 – February 2009, Squadron ECP and Assistant Chief of Training, 25th Fighter Squadron, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea
5. February 2009 – January 2010, Squadron Assistant Chief of Scheduling and Instructor Pilot, 354 FS, Davis Monthan AFB, Ariz.
6. January 2010 – June 2010, Student, A-10 Fight Weapons Instructor Course, 66 Weapons Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev.
7. June 2010 – October 2011, Chief of Weapons and Tactics, 354 FS, Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.
8. October 2011 – November 2011, Student, Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
9. November 2011 – April 2014, CAS MGR, Chief of Stan Eval and Assistant Director of Operations, 66 WPS, Nellis AFB, Nev.
10. May 2014 – June 2016, Chief of Weapons, Tactics/Division Chief and ADO, 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron, Edwards AFB, Calif.
11. July 2016 – June 2017, Student, College of Naval Command and Staff, Naval Station Newport, R.I.
12. July 2017 – July 2018, Chief of Senior Leader Management, HQ Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, V.A.
13. October 2018 – June 2019, Director of Operations, 57 Weapons Support Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev.
14. June 2019 – July 2021, Commander, 6 WPS, Nellis AFB, Nev.
15. July 2021 – June 2022, Student, Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy, Washington D.C.
16. June 2022 – June 2024, Joint Planner, J5/JSP/JOWPD, Joint Staff, the Pentagon, Arlington, Va.
17. June 2024 – Present, Deputy Commander, 57th Wing, Nellis AFB, Nev.
SUMMARY OF JOINT ASSIGNMENTS
1. June 2022 – June 2024, Joint Planner, J5/JSP/JOWPD, Joint Staff, the Pentagon, Arlington, Va. as a colonel
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Rating: command pilot
Flight hours: More than 2,100
Aircraft flown: T-37, T-38, A/OA-10A, A-10C, and F-35A
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor
Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster
Air Medal
Aerial Achievement Medal with four oak leaf clusters
Air Force Commendation Medal
2009 Air Force Anthony C. Shine Award
(Current as of July 2024)