About Joshua D. Bird

Career

Joshua D. Bird is an aviation professional, engineer, and military veteran whose career has been shaped by leadership, service, technical excellence, and a commitment to continuous growth. Following graduation from the United States Air Force Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Management while competing as a Division I athlete in football and rugby, Josh trained as a military pilot and went on to fly the KC-10 Extender, serving as an aircraft commander and instructor pilot. He later earned selection to the U-2 program. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot certificate and has accumulated more than 2,600 hours of flight experience. Following his military service, Josh transitioned into manufacturing and engineering with 3M, where he has held positions of increasing responsibility in production, maintenance, and plant engineering. His work has included leading technical teams, improving equipment reliability, managing capital projects, strengthening preventive maintenance programs, and helping solve complex operational challenges. Aviation remains an important part of his life as he continues to fly and pursue opportunities to combine his leadership and technical background with his passion for professional aviation.

Early life

Joshua D. Bird was born and raised in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. He is half Cherokee and grew up on the Reservation until he was five years old. His father is Cherokee and his mother is Scottish/Irish. He moved to East Tennessee where he was raised until leaving for the Air Force Academy in July 2004. Growing up, he played baseball and football and worked on his grandfather's cattle farm. He was recruited to play football at the Air Force Academy and was All-State Academic, All-Region running back, and a member of the National Honors Society. He also attended Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, and the National Youth Leadership Forum on Defense, Intelligence and Diplomacy while in high school.

Experience

• Plant Engineer, 3M

  May 2022 — Present · Newark, Delaware, U.S.

• Production Manufacturing Supervisor, 3M

  December 2020 — May 2022 · Newark, Delaware, U.S.

• Training Officer & U-2 Mission Pilot, United States Air Force

  July 2018 — February 2020 · Greater Sacramento, California, U.S.

• Director of Staff & U-2 Mission Pilot, United States Air Force

  June 2017 — June 2018 · California, U.S.

• Operations Group Executive Officer & KC-10 Instructor Pilot, United States Air Force

  October 2015 — June 2016 · U.S.

• Chief of Tactics & KC-10 Instructor Pilot, United States Air Force

  March 2015 — October 2016 · U.S.

• Squadron Flight Safety Representative, United States Air Force

  March 2015 — October 2015 · U.S.

• Deputy Chief of Squadron Safety & KC-10 Aircraft Commander, United States Air Force

  March 2014 — March 2015 · McGuire AFB, New Jersey, U.S.

• Standardization and Evaluation Liaison Officer & KC-10 Pilot, United States Air Force

  March 2013 — March 2014 · McGuire AFB, New Jersey, U.S.

Education

• William Blount High School

  High School Diploma · 2004

• United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School

  Graduate · 2004 — 2005

• United States Air Force Academy

  Bachelor of Science, Management · 2005 — 2009

Awards

• Distinguished Graduate (Top 10%) in KC-10 Initial Qualification Course
• Distinguished Graduate (Top 10%) in KC-10 Aircraft Commander Course

Memberships

• AOPA Member
• Freeflight Aviation Member

Certifications

• Airline Transport Pilot Airplane Multiengine Land
• Type Ratings: BE-400, MU-300, DC-10
• Commercial Privileges Airplane Single Engine Land
• First Class Medical Certification
• FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator
• Emergency Response Hazardous Materials Technician

Interests

• Aviation
• Fitness
• Golf
• Traveling
• Home Improvement Projects
• Tennessee Sports
• Air Force Academy Sports
• Spending Time Outdoors
• Christian Faith