Captain Hope Childs

Captain Hope M. Childs is the Operations Officer at Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC), Detachment 020, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona. She shapes the development of future Air Force officers by leading all cadet training and discipline, including leadership laboratories, physical fitness, and career mentoring for over 150 personnel. As Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies, she instructs AS300, cultivating effective communication and leadership skills through team-based projects and persuasive presentations. Students learn to articulate their ideas clearly, work collaboratively, and influence others effectively.

Captain Childs began her Air Force career as an Electrical and Environmental Specialist in 2010. Her first assignment was to Whiteman AFB, Missouri where she had the pleasure of working on the B-2A Stealth Bomber and was a member on the base Honor Guard. During this time, she was selected for Officer Training School and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 2017. Prior to assuming her current position in May 2024, she served as the Executive Officer to the Commander, United States Forces Japan & Headquarters Fifth Air Force.

EDUCATION

2012 Associate of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA 

2015 Airman Leadership School, Whiteman AFB, MO

2015 Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education and Minor in Psychology, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA 

2017 Associate of Applied Science, Aviation Maintenance Technology, Community College of the Air Force 

2022 Master of Education, Teaching and Learning, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA

2024 Squadron Officer School, Distinguished Graduate, Maxwell AFB, AL

ASSIGNMENTS

November 2010 – August 2013, B-2A Aircraft Electrical and Environmental Specialist, 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Whiteman AFB, MO

August 2013 – September 2017, Maintenance Operations Center Senior Controller, 509th Maintenance Operations Squadron, Whiteman AFB, MO

September 2017 – November 2017, Trainee, Officer Training School, Maxwell AFB, AL

November 2017 – November 2018, Chief, Customer Support, 1st Special Operations Force Support Squadron, Hurlburt Field, FL

November 2018 – January 2020, Food Service Officer, 1st Special Operations Force Support Squadron, Hurlburt Field, FL

January 2020 – December 2021, Section Commander, 1st Special Operations Maintenance Squadron, Hurlburt Field, FL

December 2021 – September 2022, Flight Commander, Sustainment Services, 96th Force Support Squadron, Eglin AFB, FL

September 2022 – May 2024, Deputy Director, Manpower, Personnel & Services, HQ Fifth Air Force, Yokota AB, Japan

May 2024 – September 2025, Executive Officer to Commander, United States Forces Japan & Fifth Air Force, Yokota AB, Japan

September 2025 – current, Instructor and Operations Flight Commander, AFROTC Detachment 020, University of Arizona, Tucson

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS 

Meritorious Service Medal

Air and Space Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters Air and Space 

Air and Space Achievement Medal

Meritorious Unit Award with three oak leaf clusters

Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Air and Space Campaign Medal

Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal with “N” device

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS 

2012 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Maintenance Professional of the Year

2012 Air Force Global Strike Command Honor Guardsman of the Year

2012 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year Nominee

2013 509th Maintenance Operations Squadron Airmen of the Year

2015 509th Maintenance Operations Squadron Maintenance Support Professional of the Year

2018 Air Force Special Operations Command A1 Company Grade Officer of the Year

2019 1st Special Operations Mission Support Group Flight Commander of the 1st Quarter

2019 1st Special Operations Force Support Squadron Company Grade Officer of the Year

2019 Air Force Special Operations Command John L. Hennessy Award

2020 1st Special Operations Maintenance Group Company Grade Officer of the 3rd Quarter

2020 1st Special Operations Maintenance Squadron Company Grade Officer of the Year

2020 1st Special Operations Maintenance Squadron Lance P. Sijan Company Grade Officer of the Year

2021 1st Special Operations Maintenance Group A1 Company Grade Officer of the Year

2022 Air Force Material Command John L. Hennessy Award

2022 96th Force Support Squadron Lance P. Sijan Company Grade Officer of the Year

2022 96th Mission Support Group Company Grade Officer of the 2nd Quarter

2023 Headquarters Fifth Air Force Lance P. Sijan Company Grade Officer of the Year

2023 Headquarters Fifth Air Force Company Grade Officer of the Year