Lieutenant Colonel Donald J. Fyffe
Adjunct Professor of Aerospace Studies
Commander, Detachment 085
Lieutenant Colonel Donald “Jeff” Fyffe is the Commander of Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, Detachment 085. He is an Adjunct Professor and the Chair of the Department of Aerospace Studies at the University of California, Berkeley.
Lieutenant Colonel Fyffe is an Intelligence Officer (14N) in the United States Air Force. He was commissioned in the Air Force through ROTC, Detachment 910. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Washington, a Master of Arts in History from the American Military University, and a Master of Military Operational Art and Science from Air University. Lieutenant Colonel Fyffe has extensive experience integrating intelligence into national defense policy and strategy, air combat and mobility operations, as well as conducting theater- and tactical-level surveillance and reconnaissance operations. He has served on the Joint Staff and various levels of Air Force operations including the squadron, group, wing, and numbered air force. He commanded the 303d Intelligence Squadron at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea.
Lieutenant Colonel Maxine Lucas
Assistant Adjunct Professor of Aerospace Studies
Director of Operations, Detachment 085
Lieutenant Colonel Maxine Lucas is an Assistant Adjunct Professor of Aerospace Studies in the Department of Military Affairs and the Detachment’s Director of Operations and Education Officer. She oversees all Detachment training activities and functions to include recruiting and professional development. She is also responsible for ensuring the completion of all instruction-related activities.
Lieutenant Colonel Lucas is an Air Battle Manager (13B) in the United States Air Force. After attending the University of California, Santa Cruz, she enlisted in the Air Force as an Aerospace Propulsion Specialist for F-16s. Lieutenant Colonel Lucas received her commission through the United States Air Force Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering. She obtained a Master of Business Administration in Project Management and a Master of Science in Information Technology from the Florida Institute of Technology. Lieutenant Colonel Lucas is a senior rated flight officer with operational combat experience on the E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) and multiple tactical ground command and control systems. Prior to her assignment at Detachment 085, she served as the Director of Integration, Operational Test Evaluator for Air Combat Command’s next generation prototype in the advanced Joint All-Domain Command and Control program portfolio under the Department of the Air Force’s Rapid Capabilities Office.
Major Stephanie Stewart
Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies
Operations Flight Commander, Detachment 085
Major Stephanie Stewart is an Educator for the University of California, Berkeley’s Department of Military Affairs and the Detachment’s Operations Flight Commander. She is responsible for the planning and development of Leadership Laboratory, teaches and advises the second-year ROTC cadets.
Major Stewart is a rescue pilot (11H) in the United States Air Force. She received her commission through ROTC at the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics. She is a HC-130J Combat Search and Rescue Instructor Pilot with over 1200 hours. During her first assignment as a pilot, Major Stewart deployed to Turkey in support of Operation Inherent Resolve within Iraq and Syria earning an Air Medal for completing missions in multiple combat zones. Additionally, Major Stewart served as the Combat Flight Commander in the 23th Wing at Moody AFB, GA. There she led a flight of 21, responsible for the readiness and training for a 6-month deployment cycle on the HC-130J. During this time she also short-noticed deployed, co-leading a 3-ship fleet over the Pacific in support of a 48-hour Secretary of Defense tasking.
Captain Samantha Van Vynck
Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies
Recruiting Officer, Detachment 085
Captain Samantha Van Vynck is an Educator for the University of California, Berkeley’s Department of Military Affairs and the Detachment’s Recruiting Officer. She leads initiatives to recruit in-college, high school, and enlisted members in the geographic area, and is also responsible for the development, management, and execution of the detachment’s recruiting efforts, logistics, and funding.
Captain Van Vynck is a Force Support Officer (38F) in the United States Air Force. After attending Pennsylvania State University, she enlisted in the Air Force as a Weather Forecaster where she supported multiple missions and obtained an Associate in Applied Science in Meteorology and an Associate in Applied Science in Hospitality and Fitness Management. She served as a General’s Enlisted Aide before commissioning through Officer Training School (OTS) in 2019. She obtained a Master of Sustainable Tourism through Arizona State University. Captain Van Vynck has operational experience as a Section Commander for the 341st Missile Security Force Squadron, and a Flight Commander for the 341st Military Personnel Flight. In 2023, she deployed to Saudi Arabia as a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. Prior to her assignment at Detachment 085, she served as the Executive Officer to the 75th Air Base Wing Commander.