Edward H. "Ned" Linch III
Lt. Colonel, USAF
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He earned his commission as a Distinguished Graduate of Auburn University's AFROTC program in 1985 and entered the Air Force in January 1986, at Mather AFB, CA, as an Undergraduate Navigator Training (UNT) student. Upon graduating with distinction, UNT, Tac Nav, and Lead-In Fighter Training (LIFT), Col Linch was assigned to Mt. Home AFB, ID for F-111 flight training and then to RAF Upper Heyford, UK (F-111). He was then selected to attend Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) at Sheppard AFB, TX in 1989. After graduating with distinction, he began training in the F-16 at MacDill AFB, FL. Again graduating with distinction, he then flew the F-16 operationally for over 12 years accumulating more than 2000 hours. His tours include Kunsan AB, Korea, Pope AFB, NC, Luke AFB, AZ, and Dannelly Field ANGB, AL. After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, he was one of the first F-16 pilots to fly combat air patrols for homeland defense and high value airborne assets during Operation NOBLE EAGLE. Lt Col. Linch has served in several major combat operations including OPERATIONS IRAQI FREEDOM, OPERATION VIGILANT WARRIOR, and OPERATIONS NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN WATCH, accumulating more than 150 combat hours. Lt Col. Linch holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Management with high honors from Auburn University and a Masters degree in Aeronautical Science, with distinction, from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is currently on active duty, on leave from Delta Air Lines, and a Senior Pilot with more than 3,000 flying hours in F-16 and F-111 fighter aircraft. Awards & Decorations
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Lt.
Col. Ed Linch has had a distinguished career as an active-duty
Air Force pilot and has recently taken part in many military operations.
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