Joshua Izakson, Captain USAF, of Orcas Island has returned from his second deployment with the Air Force in the Persian Gulf. He serves with the 965th Airborne Air Control Squadron and flies the AWACS Sentry aircraft which is the premier air battle command and control aircraft. He is based at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City.

Captain Izakson just flew a two nation mission out of McChord Air Force Base (Tacoma) in preparation for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.

He has just been awarded the prestigious honor of being named his squadron’s Company Grade Officer of the Quarter. On the ground, he is an Assistant Flight Commander. In the air, he is in the process of upgrading to Aircraft Commander.

The July 4th celebration had always been a favorite of Captain Izakson while growing up on Orcas, which he hasn’t been able to attend for years. He is returning home this weekend to enjoy the July 4th festivities with his family.

Captain Izakson graduated the United States Air Force Academy in 2004 and plans a full career in the Air Force. He is the son of Carmen and Dubi Izakson of Orcas Island.