Derek Field
Mr. Derek Field is a Training Instructor with the Department of Nuclear Studies, Air Force Institute of Technology at Kirtland Air Force Base (AFB), New Mexico. Mr. Field is responsible for teaching the Nuclear Certification Process and the Nuclear Certified Equipment Courses, both of which are vital education pieces for the continuity and continued success of America’s nuclear mission.
Mr. Derek Field entered the Air Force in August 2011. He served for 13 years at various locations, including Whiteman AFB, Incirlik AB, and Kirtland AFB. During his time, Mr. Field assisted with merging a conventional and a nuclear squadron, successfully led the 898th Munitions Squadron training section through a Nuclear Surety Inspection (NSI), contributed to three superior teams and became the subject matter expert on the B61-12 nuclear bomb. Additionally, he served as 377th Maintenance Group’s Chief Inspector for Quality Assurance, demonstrating leadership and technical expertise in maintaining nuclear standards.
In 2018, Mr. Field earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography with a minor in Geographic Information Systems and, in 2024, he obtained a Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership.
Derek's dedication to his craft and to the Air Force's mission has been evident throughout his career, marked by his commitment to excellence and his leadership in myriad challenging roles. His passion for training and mentoring others has made a lasting impact on the units he has served, and he remains dedicated to ensuring the continued success of America's nuclear mission.
EDUCATION
2018 Bachelor of Science, Geography, Park University
2024 Master of Arts, Communication and Leadership, Park University
MILITARY ASSIGNMENTS
Whiteman Air Force Base - Team Member/Controller/Weapons Handling Driver
Incirlik Air Base, Turkey - Team Chief
Kirtland Air Force Base - Trainer/Training NCOIC/Bay Chief/Chief Inspector of QA
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
2014 Maintenance Professional of the Year, 509th Maintenance Group
2018 Airman of the Quarter, 39th Maintenance Squadron
2019 ALS Class 19B John Levitow Award Recipient
2019 NCO of the Quarter, 39th Maintenance Squadron
2021 Leo Marquez Award, 377th Maintenance Group
2021 Nuclear Surety Inspection Superior Performer
2022 Lance P. Sijan Award, 377th Maintenance Group
2022 Maintenance Support Professional of the Year, 377th Maintenance Group
2024 Recognized and coined by 20th CMSAF