Colonel John C. Roberts stands as a distinguished figure in the United States Air Force, currently serving as the Vice Commander of the 557th Weather Wing at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. In this pivotal role, he helps lead a vast global operation comprising over 1,450 personnel across 19 locations. This wing is crucial to the Department of Defense, providing centralized weather intelligence, products, and services that span climatological insights to space weather forecasts, supporting the Air Force, Army, and Joint Forces. The 557th Weather Wing’s operations are integral to maintaining air and space superiority, underpinning intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, ensuring rapid global mobility, facilitating global strike capabilities, and bolstering command and control across all combatant commands.
Born in Los Angeles, California, Colonel Roberts’ journey in the Air Force began with his commissioning through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps after his graduation from Creighton University in Nebraska in 1997. His career trajectory is marked by significant leadership roles and extensive operational experience. Before assuming his current position, Colonel Roberts held the critical role of Deputy Director of Weather, Director of Weather at Headquarters U.S. Air Force in Washington D.C. In this capacity, he was instrumental in shaping weather doctrine, policies, and programs, managing a substantial $300 million annual budget. His responsibilities extended to liaising with major Air Force commands, the U.S. Space Force, and the U.S. Army, ensuring the effective utilization of Air Force weather resources and technology. Furthermore, he fostered interagency collaboration with entities like the Department of Commerce, NASA, and the Federal Aviation Administration.
Colonel Roberts’ career is deeply rooted in operational service. As both a Special Operations Weather Team (SOWT) operator and a weather officer, he has been deployed numerous times to support critical missions, including Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM. His expertise has also been vital to Operations INHERENT RESOLVE, FREEDOM’S SENTINEL, and other classified operations within Overseas Contingency Operations, demonstrating his commitment and adaptability in diverse and challenging environments.
Education and Professional Development
Colonel Roberts’ commitment to excellence is reflected in his robust educational background:
- 1997: Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Science, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska
- 1998: Basic Weather Officer Training, Keesler AFB, Mississippi
- 2003: Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Alabama
- 2005: M.A. in Education, Trident University International, Cypress CA
- 2009: M.S. Military Operational Art, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Alabama
- 2012: Air War College, Non-residence
This comprehensive education has provided him with a strong foundation in both atmospheric science and military strategy, essential for his multifaceted roles within the Air Force.
Key Assignments and Leadership Roles
Colonel Roberts’ career progression showcases a series of increasingly responsible and impactful assignments:
- October 1997 – October 1998: Weather Flight Commander, 42d Operations Support Squadron, 42d Air Base Wing, Maxwell AFB, AL. He began his leadership journey early, commanding a Weather Flight and supporting critical base operations.
- October 1998 – June 2000: Operations Officer, Detachment 2, 10th Combat Weather Squadron, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Here, he supported elite Army units including the U.S. Army 5th Special Forces Group and 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, honing his skills in specialized weather support for demanding missions.
- June 2000 – June 2003: Commander, Detachment 12, 7th Weather Squadron, Vicenza, Italy. Leading a detachment in Italy, he supported the U.S. Army 173d Airborne Brigade and Southern European Task Force (Airborne), expanding his operational scope internationally.
- June 2003 – January 2005: Director of Weather Operations, Aviation Tactics Evaluation Group (AVTEG), Joint Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. At JSOC, he directed weather operations for a highly specialized unit, focusing on tactics and evaluation, showcasing his expertise in special operations.
- February 2005 – May 2006: Executive Officer, AVTEG, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Continuing at AVTEG, he took on executive responsibilities, further developing his leadership and management skills within special operations.
- May 2006 – August 2008: Operations Officer, Commissioned Officer Training, Officer Training School, Maxwell, AL. Transitioning to officer training, he shaped the development of future Air Force officers, influencing the next generation of leadership.
- August 2008 – June 2009: Student, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, AL. He enhanced his strategic thinking and military operational art knowledge at Air Command and Staff College.
- July 2009 – Jun 2011: Director of Operations, 30th Weather Squadron, Vandenberg AFB, CA. He directed operations for the 30th Weather Squadron, focusing on space and missile operations support.
- Jun 2011 – Aug 2012: Director of Operations, 30th Operational Support Squadron Vandenberg, CA. Expanding his role within the 30th Operational Support Squadron, he continued to oversee critical operational support functions.
- Aug 2012 – Jul 2014: Commander, 18th Weather Squadron ACC, Ft Bragg, NC. Returning to Fort Bragg, he commanded the 18th Weather Squadron, further solidifying his leadership in weather operations.
- Jul 2014 – Jun 2017: A3O-Weather Branch Chief, AFSOC, Hurlburt Field FL. As Weather Branch Chief at Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), he played a key role in integrating weather support into special operations strategies.
- Jun 2017 – Jun 2018: Deputy Commander, 8th Mission Support Group, Kunsan AB, Republic of Korea. Serving as Deputy Commander in Korea, he broadened his experience to include mission support at an overseas air base, gaining valuable international operational insights.
- Jun 2018 – Mar 2020: Division Chief, Policy and Readiness, HQ Air Force, Washington D.C. At Air Force Headquarters, he focused on policy and readiness, contributing to strategic level planning and resource allocation.
- Mar 2020 – July 2021: Deputy Director of Weather, Director of Weather, HQ Air Force, Washington D.C. Ascending to Director of Weather, he held a pivotal role in leading Air Force weather operations and policy.
- July 2021 – Current: Vice Commander, 557th Weather Wing, Offutt AFB, Neb. In his current role, he is instrumental in leading one of the Air Force’s largest weather wings, impacting global operations.
Certifications, Awards, and Recognition
Colonel Roberts’ exemplary service is further highlighted by his certifications, badges, major awards, and decorations:
Certifications/Badges:
- AF Basic Space and Missile Operations Badge
- Master Meteorologist Badge
- U.S. Army Master Rated Parachutist Badge
- U.S. Army Pathfinder Badge
Major Awards and Decorations:
- Legion of Merit
- Bronze Star Medal
- Defense Meritorious Service Medal
- Meritorious Service Medal with 6 oak leaf clusters
- Joint Service Commendation Medal
- Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster
- Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Colonel John C. Roberts’ career is a testament to his expertise, leadership, and dedication to the Air Force and the broader Department of Defense. His ongoing service as Vice Commander of the 557th Weather Wing continues to be vital to global military operations and weather intelligence.
