Dennis Ray See

COLONEL DENNIS RAY SEE
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959
Years of Active Duty Service: 31 Years

Born in Uniontown, Kentucky, Dennis "Dennie" Ray See grew up in Union County before answering the call to join the historic charter class of the United States Air Force Academy. Entering as part of the Class of 1959, Dennie was assigned to Cadet Squadron 09 (CS-09).

Throughout his four years in the Cadet Wing, Dennie was widely admired by his peers for his winning personality, engaging demeanor, trademark "golden smile," and strong academic standing. It was also during his cadet years at the Academy that he met the love of his life and future bride. On June 3, 1959, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree as a member of USAFA’s "Forever First" graduating class.

OPERATIONAL FLYING & STRATEGIC AIR COMMAND

Following graduation, Lieutenant See entered USAF Pilot Training at Marianna, Florida, and Laredo Air Force Base, Texas, earning his pilot wings in 1960. His first major operational assignment brought him to Loring Air Force Base, Maine, where from 1961 to 1966 he flew bombers as a pilot with the 69th Bomb Squadron under Strategic Air Command (SAC).

ADVANCED EDUCATION & SOUTHEAST ASIA AIRLIFT

Recognized for his intellect and planning capacity, See was selected for postgraduate studies in 1967 at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Following his studies, he transitioned to tactical airlift at the height of the Vietnam War era. From 1968 to 1970, Captain See was stationed at Clark Air Base in the Philippines with the 463rd Tactical Airlift Wing. Flying the C-130B Hercules with the 773rd Tactical Airlift Squadron and serving as Wing Scheduling Officer, he helped manage critical tactical airlift operations supporting troops and supply lines throughout the Pacific and Southeast Asian theaters. His aircrew contributions in tactical operations earned him four Air Medals.

STAFF LEADERSHIP & SENIOR COMMAND

In 1971, Colonel See was tapped for staff duty at Headquarters U.S. Air Force in the Pentagon, serving until 1974 as a Plans Officer in the Airlift Force Branch.

He then returned to line units to fulfill senior leadership and executive roles across SAC and combat support operations:

• 97th Combat Support Group (Blytheville AFB, Arkansas, 1975–1978): Served as Deputy Commander, overseeing installation support, infrastructure, and base operations.
• 28th Bomb Wing (Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, 1978–1979): Served as Assistant Deputy Commander, managing heavy bomber and tanker operational readiness.
• Headquarters Strategic Air Command (Offutt AFB, Nebraska, 1980–1983): Served as Assistant Deputy Director of Combat Plans (SAC OS), developing operational strategic response plans during a pivotal period of the Cold War.

FINAL PENTAGON DUTY & LEGACY

Colonel See capped his 31-year Air Force career back in Washington, D.C., serving from 1983 to 1986 at Headquarters USAF as Chief of the Office of Review & Oversight within the Office of the Inspector General.

Over his decades of service, Colonel See was decorated with two Legion of Merit awards, two Meritorious Service Medals, and four Air Medals for superior performance, strategic vision, and operational excellence.

EDUCATION


United States Air Force Academy Bachelor of Science (Class of 1959)
USAF Undergraduate Pilot Training Primary & Basic Pilot Wings (Marianna, FL / Laredo AFB, TX)
George Washington University Postgraduate Studies

MAJOR MEDALS & DECORATIONS


Legion of Merit 2
Meritorious Service Medal 2
Air Medal 4

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS


1959–1960 Pilot Trainee Marianna, FL / Laredo AFB, TX
1961–1966 Pilot 69th Bomb Squadron, Loring AFB, ME
1967 Postgraduate Student George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
1968–1970 C-130B Pilot & Wing Scheduling Officer 773rd Tactical Airlift Sq / 463rd Tactical Airlift Wing, Clark AB, Philippines
1971–1974 Plans Officer (Airlift Force Branch) Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon
1975–1978 Deputy Commander 97th Combat Support Group, Blytheville AFB, AR
1978–1979 Assistant Deputy Commander 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth AFB, SD
1980–1983 Assistant Deputy Director of Combat Plans (SAC OS) Headquarters Strategic Air Command, Offutt AFB, NE
1983–1986 Chief, Office of Review & Oversight Office of the Inspector General, HQ USAF, Pentagon