Technical Sergeant Chris Hanson is a percussionist with the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific, Yokota Air Base, Japan. In addition to his musical responsibilities, he serves in the Commander’s Support Staff.
Originally from Polson, Montana, Sergeant Hanson entered the Air Force on June 3, 2015, and was stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, from August 2015 to October 2022. During that assignment, he performed with the full band, Band of Flight; the rock band, Flight 1; and the brass quintet, Spirit of Freedom. At various points, he served as Musical Director for all three groups and as NCOIC of the brass quintet for four years.
In 2017, Sergeant Hanson deployed with the Air Forces Central Command (AFCENT) Band in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE, FREEDOM’S SENTINEL, and the Resolute Support Mission.
EDUCATION
2011 Bachelor of Music, Percussion Performance, University of Montana, Missoula, Mont.
2014 Master of Music, Percussion Performance, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, N.M.
2019 Airman Leadership School, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
2021 Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education I
ASSIGNMENTS
1. August 2015 – October 2022, Percussionist, USAF Band of Flight, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio
2. October 2022 – Present, Percussionist, USAF Band of the Pacific, Yokota Air Base, Japan (January 2025-April 2025, Drummer, USAF Central Band, Al-Udeid AB, Qatar)
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster
Meritorious Unit Award
Humanitarian Service Medal
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2017 Airman of the Year, AF Band of Flight
2018 Airman of the Year, AF Band of Flight
2019 Distinguished Graduate, Airman Leadership School
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class June 3, 2015
Senior Airman Oct. 3, 2017
Staff Sergeant Dec. 1, 2019
(Current as of October 2025)