Joshua Izakson, Captain USAF, of Orcas Island has returned home shortly after his transfer to his new squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base outside of Anchorage, Alaska.

In the air, Captain Izakson has been upgraded to Aircraft Commander of the AWACS E-3 aircraft. On the ground, he has been promoted to the position of Flight Commander.

For five years, he served at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City with the 965th Airborne Air Control Squadron and flew the AWACS Sentry aircraft. Upon his departure in June, he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal. Included in the citations for “Meritorious Service” were his three foreign deployments. He is about to deploy again with his new squadron.  Additionally, Captain Izakson was cited for flying 17 missions in support of counter-drug operations, which enabled eight air-to-air intercepts.

Captain Izakson just flew a three nation mission (U.S., Canada and Russia) out of Elmendorf Air Force Base for coordinated terrorist defensive training.

He has completed his Masters Degree with “Highest Academic Distinction” for his 4.0 grade average. Captain Izakson graduated the United States Air Force Academy in 2004 and plans a full career in the Air Force.  He is the son of Carmen and Dubi Izakson of Orcas Island.