Joseph Anderson
FAA VERIFIEDPilot • Combat-experienced F-35C, FA-18C, and FA-18E/F Pilot • Instructor Pilot
Flight Experience & Aircraft
2 type ratings • 2,087 total hours
Total Hours
2,087
Multi-Engine Hours
1,056
Jet Hours
2,008
Turboprop Hours
79
Type Ratings
F-35
Training date: Sep 2026
Training facility: US Navy
794 hours in type
F/A 18 Hornet
Training date: Jun 2022
Training facility: US Navy
1,056 hours in type
Certificates & Qualifications
Commercial Pilot License
Issued Sep 2026
Commercial Pilot License
Multi-Engine Rating
Single Engine Rating
Instrument Rating
Current Instrument Check Airman
Crew Resource Management Facilitator
Current F-35C Post-Maintenance Check Pilot
FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit
Current DOD Top Secret / SCI Clearance
Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor
Strike Lead / Mission Commander
Forward Air Controller (Airborne) / FAC(A)
Rescue Mission Commander (RMC)
F-35C Lightning Tactics and Weapons Syllabus Level IV Instructor
Former NFWS (TOPGUN) Instructor
Work Experience
Instructor Pilot
United States Navy Reserve / VFA-125
Pilot instructor for US Navy and Marine Corps' pilots' initial and refresher training in the F-35C Lightning II aircraft.
F-35 Contract Instructor Pilot
BGI, LLC
F-35B/C simulator instructor for USMC pilot's initial and refresher training.
Director of Operations / Maintenance Officer / Administration and Security Officer / Safety Officer / Strike Mission Commander
VFA-97 Warhawks / United States Navy
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.
TOPGUN Instructor / Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor /APG-81 Subject Matter Expert
United States Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN)
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.
FA-18C/E/F Combat 4-Ship Flight Lead /Avionics Division Officer / Weapons & Tactics Officer / Landing Signals Officer / Schedules Officer
VFA-94 Mighty Shrikes / United States Navy
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.
Naval Aviation Flight Training
United States Navy
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.
Education
Bachelor of Arts
University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Profile Overview
2,087
Total Flight Hours
2
Aircraft Types
Personal Interests
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