Col. Nathan A. Litz is the Deputy Commander, 413th Flight Test Group, U.S. Air Force Reserve, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. He assists the Commander in providing qualified aircrew and associated support personnel to conduct functional and acceptance check flights on non-airworthy aircraft upon completion of depot-level maintenance and to recover battle-damaged aircraft from abroad. Comprised of seven geographically separated units which fly sixteen distinct mission design series aircraft, the goal of the 413th FTG is returning mission-ready aircraft to the warfighter. Col. Litz is also an F-35 Functional Check Flight Instructor and Evaluator pilot.
Col. Litz graduated from Purdue University in 1997 and was commissioned in 1998 following graduation from Officer Training School, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. After serving 11 years on active duty, he joined the Air Force Reserve in 2009. He has served in multiple capacities at the squadron and wing level on active duty, as an Air Reserve Technician, Active Guard Reservist, and Traditional Reservist. Prior to his current position, Col. Litz served as Commander of the 514th Flight Test Squadron, U.S. Air Force Reserve, Hill Air Force Base, Utah.
Col. Litz is a command pilot with more than 4,800 flying hours in the T-37, T-38A/C, AT-38B, F-16C/D/E/F, and F-35A/B/C. He has deployed in support of Operations Freedom’s Sentinel, Resolute Support, Iraqi Freedom, and Noble Eagle, and has logged more than 380 combat hours. He is also employed by a major U.S. airline flying the Airbus A320.
EDUCATION
1997 Bachelor of Science, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind.
1998 Officer Training School, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
2005 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2008 Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
2019 Air War College, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
2023 Master of Military Operational Art and Science, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
ASSIGNMENTS
1. November 1998 – June 1999, Introductory Flight Training Program Manager, Headquarters Reserve Officer Training Command, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
2. June 1999 – July 2000, Student, Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training, Laughlin AFB, Texas
3. July 2000 – November 2003, T-38 Instructor and Check Pilot, 87th Flying Training Squadron, Laughlin AFB, Texas
4. November 2003 – September 2004, Student, F-16 Initial Qualification Training, 63rd Fighter Squadron, Luke AFB, Ariz.
5. September 2004 – June 2007, Flight Commander, 4th FS, Hill AFB, Utah
6. June 2007– October 2008, Chief of Training, 310th FS, Luke AFB, Ariz.
7. October 2008 – October 2009, Assistant Director of Operations, 425th FS, Luke AFB, Ariz.
8. October 2009 – October 2014, Assistant Director of Operations, 466th FS, Hill AFB, Utah
9. October 2014 – August 2016, Chief of Safety, 419th Fighter Wing, Hill AFB, Utah
10. August 2016 – June 2017, Flight Commander, 466th FS, Hill AFB, Utah
11. June 2017 – October 2019, Director of Operations, 466th FS, Hill AFB, Utah
12. October 2019 – August 2024, Commander, 514th FLTS, Hill AFB, Utah
13. August 2024 – Present, Deputy Commander, 413th FTG, Robins AFB, GA
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Rating: Command Pilot
Flying hours: More than 4,800
Aircraft flown: T-37, T-38A/C, AT-38B, F-16C/D/E/F, F-35A/B/C
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters
Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters
Aerial Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Air Force Achievement Medal
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
1998 Distinguished Graduate, Officer Training School
2000 Distinguished Graduate, T-38 Pilot Instructor Training
2004 Distinguished Graduate, Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals
2004 Distinguished Graduate, F-16 Initial Qualification Course
2005 Distinguished Graduate, Squadron Officer School
2007 Distinguished Graduate, F-16 Instructor Pilot Course
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant Nov. 13, 1998
First Lieutenant Nov. 13, 2000
Captain Nov. 13, 2002
Major July 1, 2008
Lieutenant Colonel July 1, 2015
Colonel August 1, 2024
(Current as of January 2025)