Technical Sergeant Justin M. Pendleton is the Team Chief of the F-35A Demonstration Team, Hill Air Force Base, Utah. A native of Plattsburgh, N.Y., Sergeant Pendleton entered the Air Force in July 2016 and has spent his entire career at Hill AFB, where he has served as a Dedicated Crew Chief and Maintenance Instructor. In his current role, he is responsible for all F-35A scheduled maintenance and inspections, ensuring the aircraft is safe for flight and performance during the airshow season. Prior to his current position, Sergeant Pendleton was the Development and Instructor Element Chief for the 388th Logistics Support Squadron, Hill AFB, Utah.
EDUCATION
2016 Basic Military Training, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas
2016 Aircraft Maintenance Familiarization Training, Sheppard AFB, Texas
2016 Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Training, Eglin AFB, Fla.
2017 Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Training, Luke AFB, Ariz.
2020 Airman Leadership School, Hill AFB, Utah
ASSIGNMENTS
1. April 2017 – August 2020, Assistant Dedicated Crew Chief, 4th Fighter Generation Squadron, Hill AFB, Utah
2. August 2020 – April 2022, Dedicated Crew Chief, 421st Fighter Generation Squadron, Hill AFB, Utah
3. April 2022 – December 2023, F-35 Maintenance Instructor, 388th Logistics Support Squadron, Hill AFB, Utah
4. December 2023 – January 2025, Development and Instructor Element Chief, 388th Logistics Support Squadron, Hill AFB, Utah
5. January 2025 – Present, Team Chief, F-35A Demonstration Team, Hill AFB, Utah
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Commendation Medal
Meritorious Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster
EFFECTICE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman Basic July 12, 2016
Airman First Class September 9, 2016
Senior Airman January 9, 2019
Staff Sergeant August 1, 2020
Technical Sergeant May 1, 2024