Col. Ahave E. Brown, Jr. is Commander of the 412th Maintenance Group of the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base. He leads 1,800 civilian and military personnel in execution of developmental test and evaluation on 53 highly modified test aircraft. Additionally, he oversees 143 maintenance facilities valued at $2 billion and executes $3 million in sustainment and modernization projects annually. He collaborates with leaders and organizations around the world in support of test programs to meet critical U.S. Force and joint milestones. Finally, Col. Brown guides maintenance operations across five squadrons at 15 operating locations around the world.
Col. Brown was born in Baltimore, Maryland, enlisted in the Air Force after high school, and received his Air Force commission in September 2000. He has served in multiple locations around the world, and he participated in Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Provide Comfort, Northern Watch, Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and other unnamed operations.
Col. Brown holds a master’s degree in aeronautical science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the Marine Corps War College. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, and the Air Force Achievement Medal.