USAFA Class Heritage

  (Skip Anderson)

CALTECH -  to 1964

Pilot training - Moody - to 1965

Drone operations - Eglin - to 1969

SEA - Udorn - RF-4C - to 1970

USAFE - Zweibrucken - RF-4C to 1971

Test Pilot School - Edwards - to 1972

Test pilot - Edwards - to 1976

Test pilot - Holloman - to 1978

Lead in Fighter Training - SQ CO - 1979

Test pilot/Test Force commander - F117 - to 1983

Retired - 1983

Lockheed Martin - Satellite operations -  to 2001

JT3 Test range operations - VP - to 2004

Satellite operations - Denver - to 2008

Real retirement

(following information gathered from public sources)

Born on July 5, 1941, in Wooster, Ohio, `Skip` entered the United States Air Force Academy on June 26, 1959. He graduated on June 5, 1963, receiving his diploma from President John F. Kennedy and his commission from USAF Chief of Staff General Curtis E. LeMay. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Astronautics from the Academy, establishing a career-long trajectory in advanced aerospace sciences.

The Air Force selected him for immediate post-graduate work. He earned his Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (MSAE) from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in 1964.

Skip entered Pilot Training at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, in 1964. Upon pinning on his wings in 1965, First Lieutenant Anderson was assigned to the Air Proving Ground Center (APGC) at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, flying the formidable F-104 Starfighter. Over his decorated multi-decade career, he logged thousands of command pilot hours in advanced supersonic aircraft, culminating in tactical command roles, including leadership within the 436th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, by 1977. 

In 1977, Skip achieved national aerospace distinction when he was named one of the elite 208 finalists for NASA Astronaut Group 8. Vetted thoroughly at the Johnson Space Center for the inaugural Space Shuttle program, he qualified as a Pilot (PLT) Candidate. While he ultimately returned to frontline tactical commands rather than flying in space, his selection underscored his standing at the absolute apex of the military pilot corps.

Upon retiring from active service at the rank of Colonel, Skip settled in Colorado, living for many years near Castle Rock and Monument. He passed away in 2022, leaving behind his loved ones, including Monica and Karen, and a legacy forever woven into the history of the Class of 1963, the Air Force flight test community, and America's aerospace defense.