Lieutenant Colonel Anthony J. Owens, United States Air Force

2016 U.S. Missile Defender of the Year

Lieutenant Colonel Anthony J. Owens is Deputy Chief, Integrated Air and Missile Defense Division, Headquarters United States Air Forces Europe – Air Force Africa, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.  He is responsible for providing staff support to POTUS-directed European Phased Adaptive Approach for ballistic missile defense.

He leads planning and integration of air and ballistic missile defense capabilities for NATO, EUCOM and bi-lateral partners within the Levant. Lieutenant Colonel Owens received his commission in 1996 upon graduating from the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at the University of South Alabama.  His first two assignments were with Control and Reporting Centers at the 728th Air Control Squadron and 603d Air Control Squadron. 

Additionally, he commanded the 623d Air Control Flight, and served as the Operations Officer for the 606th Air Control Squadron.  His most recent assignment, he commanded the 752d Operations Support Squadron.  As an air battle manager, Lieutenant Colonel Owens provided command and control for Operations SOUTHERN WATCH / NEW DAWN and flew 22 E-3 combat sorties in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM.  Lt Col Owens is a senior air battle manager with over 1150 flying hours.

Defenders of the Year