Col. Benjamin Doyle is the Vice Commander, 168th Wing, Alaska Air National Guard, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The 168th Wing provides the U.S. Air Force the capabilities of global reach and vigilance through the combined operations of air refueling, missile warning, and space surveillance. The unit maintains a constant watch and commitment for Pacific Air Forces, Northern Command, Space Command, and the Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Region.
Col. Doyle enlisted into the Alaska Air National Guard in 1993; after completing basic training, he attended technical training at Sheppard AFB, TX, graduating as an Aerospace Propulsion Specialist. He received his commission in 1999 as a graduate of Academy of Military Science (AMS), McGhee-Tyson ANGB, Tennessee. Follow on training was Specialized Undergraduate Navigator Training (SUNT) at Randolph AFB, TX, then C-130 qualification at Little Rock AFB, AR. After C-130 qualification, he was assigned to the 144th Airlift Squadron, Kulis ANGB, AK. In July of 2002 then 1Lt Doyle attended Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT) at Laughlin AFB, TX followed by KC-135 initial qualification at Altus AFB, OK. Upon his return, he was assigned to the 168th Air Refueling Squadron, Eielson AFB, AK.. During his time at the 168th Wing, Col Doyle served in various staff positions to include: Chief of Scheduling, Wing Plans Officer, Chief of Training, OSS Commander and twice as the 13 EAS Commander (Vietnam and Vanuatu)
Prior to assuming his current position, Col. Doyle was Chief of Safety, 168th Wing, Alaska Air National Guard, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.
EDUCATION
1997
University of Alaska Fairbanks, Bachelors, Electrical Engineering, Fairbanks, Alaska
1999
Academy of Military Science, McGhee-Tyson ANGB, Tennessee.
2008
Squadron Officer School, by correspondence
2015
Air Command Staff College, by correspondence
2017 Safety Board President Course, Kirtland AFB, NM
2020
Air War College, by correspondence
ASSIGNMENTS
1. May 2001 - December 2003, Navigator, Kulis Air National Guard Base, Alaska
2. December 2003 - November 2006, Co-Pilot, 168th Air Refueling Squadron, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska
3. November 2006 - October 2008, Standardization and Evaluation Liasion Officer, 168th Operations group, Eielson AFB, Alaska
4. October 2008 - April 2013, Chief of Scheduling, 168th Operations Support Squadron, Eielson AFB, Alaska
5. April 2013 - August 2015, Wing Plans Officer, 168th Wing, Eielson AFB, Alaska
6. August 2015 - December 2017, Chief of Training, 168th Operations Support Squadron, Eielson AFB, Alaska
7. December 2017 – December 2020, Commander, 168th Operations Support Squadron, Eielson AFB, Alaska
8. December 2019 - January 2022, Chief of Safety, 168th Wing, Eielson AFB, Alaska
9. January 2022 - Present, Vice Commander, 168th Wing, Eielson AFB, Alaska
BIOGRAPHY
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Rating: Command pilot
Flight hours: 3,159.6
Combat hours: 268
Aircraft flown: KC-135R, KC135T, C-130E, C-130H, T-43, T-37, T-1
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal
Air Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Combat Readiness Medal
Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Serve Medal with one oak leaf cluster
National Defense Service Medal with one bronze star
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
Armed Force Reserve Medal with 1 “M” device
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
First Lieutenant August 20, 2001
Captain September 9, 2003
Major July 1, 2009
Lieutenant Colonel July 1, 2016
Colonel January 22, 2022
(Current as of May 2022)