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Colonel EDWARD G. YEASH III

Col. Edward “Ed” G. Yeash III is the Commander of the 315th Airlift Wing, Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina. He commands 22 units delivering unrivaled airlift and agile combat support across the full spectrum of military operations. The wing provides global movement of high-priority personnel and cargo, executing missions ranging from pilot proficiency training and aeromedical evacuation to contingency response and strategic airlift. Operational capabilities include night vision goggle operations, low-level flight, formation airdrop, and short-field assault missions

Col. Yeash previously served as the Commander of the 514th Operations Group, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey.

Col. Yeash is a 1998 graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science.  He was commissioned through Officer Training School and was a member of the initial cadre during the transition of McGuire Air Force Base to the C-17A. In 2009, he assumed duties as an Air Reserve Technician and has held positions in training, tactics, current operations, safety, standardization and evaluation, and as a director of operations.

EDUCATION

 1998 Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Ariz.

 2009 Squadron Officer School, by correspondence

 2015 Air Command and Staff College, by correspondence

2016 Master of Arts in Military Operational Art and Science, Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.

2021 Air War College, by correspondence

ASSIGNMENTS

  1. October 2002 - October 2003, Student, Undergraduate Pilot Training, Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas
  2. October 2003 - May 2007, Pilot Scheduler, 732d Airlift Squadron, McGuire AFB, N.J.
  3. May 2007 - May 2012, Chief of Aircrew Scheduling, 732d Airlift Squadron, McGuire AFB, N.J.
  4. May 2012 - July 2013, Chief Squadron Tactics, 732d Airlift Squadron, McGuire AFB, N.J.
  5. July 2013 - April 2014, Chief of Training, 732d Airlift Squadron, McGuire AFB, N.J.
  6. April 2014 - January 2018, Chief of Standardization and Evaluation, 514th Operations Group, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.
  7. January 2018 - November 2018, Chief of Wing Safety, 514th Air Mobility Wing, JB McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.
  8. November 2018 - June 2023, Director of Operations, 514th Operational Support Squadron, JB McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.
  9. June 2023 – April 2025, Commander, 514th Operations Group, JB McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.
  10. April 2026 - Present, Commander, 315th Airlift Wing, JB Charleston, S.C.

 

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Ratings Held: Command Pilot

Flying Hours: More than 5500 hours

Aircraft Flown and Operated: C-17A

 

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters

Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster

Air and Space Commendation Medal

Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award with Oak Leaf Cluster

 

(Current as of May 2026)