This year's 63rd Fighter Squadron "Trip Grace Memorial Award" recipient is Captain Cody Bown.

Captain Cody Bown currently serves as a Mission Commander and F-35A Instructor Pilot in the 63d Fighter Squadron "Panthers," 56th Fighter Wing, Luke AFB, Arizona. 

Capt Bown entered the Air Force in 2013 as a graduate of the ROTC program at the University of Utah. His first assignment was flying the F-15E Strike Eagle before transitioning to the F-35A in September of 2018. Currently, as an IP, he has served as the Assistant Chief of Weapons, Flight Commander, and Director of Staff. His notable accomplishments while in the 63rd include organizing the MAJCOMs first-ever B-2 / F-35A low-observable aircraft integration flight, directing the squadrons first TDY to MCAS Miramar in California for dissimilar integration with Marine F-18s, and completing the Mission Commander upgrade during a large force exercise with F-22s and F-16s in Hawaii. His previous assignment was with the 389th Fighter Squadron in the 366th Fighter Wing in Mountain Home, Idaho. Capt Bown flew over 900 hours in the F-15E, with more than 350 hours in combat and over 140 GPS/laser-guided munitions dropped in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in both Iraq and Syria.  

ASSIGNMENTS

1. May 13 – Sept 14, Student Pilot, ENJJPT, Sheppard AFB, TX

2. Sep 14 – Dec 14, Student Pilot, 12th FTW, Randolph AFB, TX  

3. Dec 14 – Jan 15, Student Pilot F-15E Basic Course, 334th FS, Seymour Johnson AFB, NC

4. Jan 15 – Sep 18, F15E Flight Lead, 389th FS, Mountain Home AFB, ID

5. Sep 18 – Jun 19, Student Pilot, F35A Transition/Instructor Course, 56th FW, Luke AFB, AZ

6. Jun 19 – Pres, Instructor Pilot, 63d FS, Luke AFB, AZ

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

Air Medal, 2 OLC

Meritorious Unit Award

Air Force Commendation Medal

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, 4 OLC

National Defense Service Medal

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Global War on Terrorism Service Ribbon

AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon

Air Force Special Duty Ribbon

Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon

AF Training Ribbon

EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION

2nd Lieutenant                          29 May 2013

First Lieutenant                         29 May 2015

Captain                                    29 May 2017