Colonel Joshua E. Assayag is the Deputy Commander of the 163d Attack Wing, March Air Reserve Base, Calif. The 163d Attack Wing is an MQ-9A Reaper wing comprised of more than 950 personnel. The wing has three federal missions and provides intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support, as well as tactical combat support to commanders and war fighters around the world.
Col Assayag received a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, Ariz. in 2003 prior to entering military service in 2004. Upon his commissioning from Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., he attended Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, in July 2025, where he earned his pilot wings. Col Assayag continued in his career by flying the C-17 Globemaster III for the Air Force Reserve, assigned to the 729th Airlift Squadron, March Air Reserve Base, Calif., as a First Pilot and then as an Aircraft Commander. In 2012, he joined the California Air National Guard where he has flown both the MQ-1 and MQ-9. He has served in numerous leadership positions with the Air National Guard and has commanded at the squadron and group level. Prior to his current position, Col Assayag was the Commander, 195th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group, Beale Air Force Base, Calif.
Col. Assayag is a command pilot with more than 2,350 military flying hours, including more than 350 combat flying hours while serving in numerous overseas contingency operations. Col Assayag has deployed in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM, and UNIFIED RESPONSE. In his civilian capacity, Col Assayag is a Chief Pilot and Director of Flight Operations for a global airline.
EDUCATION
2003 Bachelor of Science, Aeronautical Science, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, Ariz.
2011 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., by correspondence
2018 Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
2019 Master of Arts and Science, Operational Warfare, Air University, Maxwell Air AFB, Ala.
2020 Air War College, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
2021 Joint Combined Warfighting School, National Defense University, Norfolk, Va.
ASSIGNMENTS
1. June 2005–July 2006, Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training student, Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas
2. August 2006–November 2006, C-17A Pilot Initial Qualification student, Altus AFB, Okla.
3. December 2006–January 2012, C-17A Aircraft Commander, 729th Airlift Squadron, March Air Reserve Base, Calif.
4. February 2012–May 2012, MQ-1B Initial Qualification student, 160th Reconnaissance Squadron, March ARB, Calif. 5. June 2012–February 2015, Chief of Scheduling and MQ-1B Operations Supervisor, 196th Reconnaissance Squadron, March ARB, Calif.
6. March 2015–May 2015, MQ-9A Transition Course student, 160th Attack Squadron, March ARB, Calif.
7. June 2015–August 2017, MQ-9B Instructor Pilot and Flight Commander, 196th Attack Squadron, March ARB, Calif.
8. August 2017–March 2018, Unit Conversion Officer and MQ-9A Evaluator Pilot, 163d Operations Group, March ARB, Calif.
9. March 2018–June 2019, Director of Operations and MQ-9A Evaluator Pilot, 196th Attack Squadron, March ARB, Calif.
10. July 2019–August 2023, Commander, 160th Attack Squadron, March ARB, Calif.
11. August 2023–October 2023, Deputy Commander, 163d Operations Group, March ARB, Calif.
12. October 2023–February 2025, Commander, 195th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group, Beale AFB, Calif.
13. February 2025–Present, Deputy Commander, 163d Attack Wing, March ARB, Calif.
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Rating: Command Pilot
Flight hours: More than 2,350
Aircraft flown: MQ-9A, MQ-1B, C-17A, T-53, T-1A, and T-6A
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Medal
Aerial Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Force Commendation Medal
Combat Readiness Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Humanitarian Service Medal with one device
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with one device
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2005 Distinguished Graduate, Air Force Officer Training School
2006 Distinguished Graduate, Air Force Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant April 1, 2005
First Lieutenant April 1, 2007
Captain April 1, 2009
Major Aug. 3, 2013
Lieutenant Colonel Dec. 6, 2018
Colonel Dec. 8, 2023
(Current as of February 2025)