Lt Col Nichols earned his wings in Del Rio Texas at Laughlin Air Force Base Texas in 1982. He remained as a T-38 instructor pilot and flight examiner until being transferred to Randolph AFB Texas in 1985. While at Randolph Lt Col Nichols performed duties as a T-38 instructor pilot, a Functional Check Flight (FCF) Instructor and check pilot in Pilot Instructor Training (PIT). He also served as the Executive Officer to the Deputy Chief of Staff of Logistics and as the Aide de Camp/Instructor Pilot to the Commander, Air Training Command.
In 1988 Lt Col Nichols graduated as the "top gun" from both Lead In Fighter Training and F-16 Replacement Training Upgrade. He was then transferred to Ramstein AB Germany where he was assigned to the 86th TFW, 512th and 526 TFS’s. While at Ramstein he served as an F-16 instructor pilot, flight commander and assistant operations officer. Lt Col Nichols served as the Aide de Camp and Instructor Pilot to CINC USAFE/COMAAFCE (COMAIRCENT) from 1992 to 1993.
In 1993 Lt Col Nichols was transferred to Maxwell AFB Alabama where he spent ten months as a student enrolled in Air Command and Staff College. Prior to his assignment to J7 at USACOM as the Joint Air Warfare Training Officer he attended Armed Forces Staff College at Norfolk Naval Base Virginia from June to September 1994. In May of 1996 he attended a TX course in the F-16 and in August he was transferred to Aviano AB Italy were he served as the Director of Operations in the 510th Fighter Squadron.
On 27 May 1997, he assumed command of the 510th and was granted the title "Buzzard One." He has participated in Operations PROVIDE COMFORT, DECISIVE EDGE, SILVER WAKE and ongoing DELIBERATE GUARD. Lt Col Nichols is a Command Pilot with over 3000 flying hours in primarily the T-38 and F-16 aircraft. His decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Air Force Achievement Medal.
EDUCATION:
1981 Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado
1986 Master of Science Degree in System Management, St. Mary's University, Texas
1994 Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama
ASSIGNMENTS:
1977 - 1981 Student, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado
1981 - 1982 Student, Pilot Training School, Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas
1982 - 1985 Instructor Pilot, Flight Examiner, Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas
1985 - 1988 Instructor Pilot, FCF and PIT Pilot, Executive Office, Aide De Camp, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas
1988 - 1993 Instructor Pilot, Flight Commander, Assistant Operations Officer, Ramstein Air Base, Germany
1993 - 1994 Student, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama
1994 - 1996 Joint Air Warfare Training Officer, J7, USACOM
1996 - 1997 Operational Officer, Senior Pilot, 510 Fighter Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy
1997 - present Commander, Senior Pilot, 510 Fighter Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy
FLIGHT INFORMATION:
Rating: Command Pilot
Flight hours: 3000+ hours
Aircraft flown: T-38 and F-16
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf clusters
Aerial Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters
Air Force Commendation Medal
Joint Service Achievement Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal
Combat Readiness Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Southwest Asia Service Medal
Armed Forces Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION:
Second Lieutenant 27 May 1981
First Lieutenant 27 May 1983
Captain 27 May 1985
Major 01 May 1993
Lieutenant Colonel 01 February 1995
