Joseph Anderson

F-35C Instructor Pilot at VFA-125, NAS Lemoore. F-35B/C simulator instructor at MCAS Miramar (left this position with BGI in July, 2026).

Responsible to the squadron Commanding Officer for the combat effectiveness, safety, and readiness of 240+ personnel and 14 F-35C aircraft both ashore and deployed onboard USS Carl Vinson. Qualified as a Strike Mission Commander; planned and led multiple joint-service large force kinetic combat operations over Houthi-Controlled Territory in Yemen. Directed the operations, safety, and maintenance departments, earning the Navy Battle "E" and multiple safety awards. Delivered tactical instruction and operational mentorship to over 20 pilots.

Integrated with Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin engineers as well as USAF and USMC counterparts to author the first APG-81 Tri-Service Radar Standards document for all USN/USAF/USMC F-35 platforms and execution. Presided over interagency collaborations with the Naval Aviation Enterprise, US Air Force, US Marine Corps, international partners, and the defense industry as the TOPGUN APG-81 Radar SME. Instructed graduate-level tactics to Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor candidates. Taught all aspects of F-35 and FA-18 employment and briefing/debriefing in both the aircraft and classroom. Earned Standardization Instructor qualification to evaluate and certify TOPGUN aircrew as new instructors. As TOPGUN Training Officer, was responsible for the day-to-day and long-term syllabus as well as standards and success of TOPGUN Class 02-22 graduates.

Served as officer-in-charge of the Avionics division and schedules, including combat operations in Iraq and Syria. Coordinated flight schedules, ordnance, and simulators for over 20 FA-18 pilots and 200+ maintenance personnel. Oversaw the safety, professional development, and personal growth of over 30 junior US Navy sailors.

VFA-106 Gladiators – FA-18C Fleet Replacement Pilot Training. Training Squadron 9 – Advanced Jet Training. Training Squadron 28 – Primary Flight Training. Naval Aviation Schools Command – Aviation Preflight Indoctrination.