Wing Commander

COLONEL ERIK A. PETERSON

Col. Erik. A. Peterson is the commander of the Wisconsin Air National Guard’s 115th Fighter Wing at Truax Field in Madison, Wisconsin. As commander, he is responsible for the organization, training and equipping of nearly 1,200 active Guard and traditional forces serving the dual mission of state and federal responsibility falling under the governor of Wisconsin and President of the United States. The 115th Fighter Wing operates the F-16C+ “Fighting Falcon” as its primary weapon system, as well as the RC-26B aircraft in the global intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) mission.

Col. Peterson received his commission in 1991 after graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy. His past assignments include maintenance officer at Luke Air Force Base and flying duties as a flight lead, instructor and evaluator pilot in the 18th Fighter Squadron, 115th Fighter Wing Operations Group and 115th Fighter Wing Maintenance Group. Prior to assuming his current position, he served as the 115th Fighter Wing vice commander.

Col. Peterson is a command pilot with more than 2,650 flying hours in the F-16C/D, AT-38A, T-38A and T-37B. 

Col. Peterson earned a bachelor of science degree in aeronautical engineering at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1991, and attended squadron officer school in 1995. He earned a master of aeronautical science degree at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida in 2000. He completed the Air Command and Staff College program in 2003 and the Air War College in 2008. He attended the Advanced Joint Professional Military Education progam in 2013.

Col. Peterson’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with three gold oak leaf clusters; the Legion of Merit; the Air Medal with one gold oak leaf cluster; the Air Force Commendation Medal with two gold oak leaf clusters; the Meritorious Unit Award with one gold oak leaf cluster; the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one silver oak leaf cluster and two gold oak leaf clusters; the Combat Readiness medal with one silver oak leaf cluster; the National Defense Service Medal with bronze star; the Iraq Campaign Medal with bronze star; the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; the Air Force Overseas Ribbon Long; the Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border, with two gold oak leaf clusters; the Air Force Longevity Service with one silver oak leaf cluster; the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with one ‘M’ Device; the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon; the Air Force Training Ribbon; and the Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal.