Senior Airman Christopher Arellano is a guitarist with the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific, Yokota Air Base, Japan. He serves as Music Director for Pacific Trends and as the unit’s Vehicle Control Officer.
Airman Arellano entered the Air Force in November 2020 and deployed with the AFCENT Band from October 2021 to January 2022 in support of Operations ENDURING SENTINEL and INHERENT RESOLVE. He contributed to international outreach efforts by building partnerships with host nations and advancing soft power objectives across the region.
Highlights of his career include performing in the first televised U.S. Air Force event in Mongolia, viewed by 21,000 citizens, and playing before 65,000 NFL fans at the Cincinnati Bengals' Salute to Service game in 2023. Prior to his current assignment, he served as a guitarist and vocalist for the Band of Flight at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, while also serving as Operations Representative, GPC holder, and Assistant ODTA.
EDUCATION
2011 Bachelor of Music Education, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas
ASSIGNMENTS
1. November 2020 – January 2024, Guitarist/Vocalist, Band of Flight, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio (Deployed Oct 2021 – Jan 2022, AFCENT Band, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar)
2. January 2024 – Present, Music Director/Guitarist, Band of the Pacific, Yokota AB, Japan
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster
Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award
Air Force Good Conduct Medal
Air and Space Recognition Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Armed Forces Service Medal
Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon
Air and Space Longevity Service Award
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (Rifle)
Air and Space Training Ribbon
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2021 USAF Band New Musician of the Year
2023 AFCENT Media Highlight – Televised Mongolia Performance
2nd Quarter 2023 Band of Flight Airman of the Quarter
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class Jan. 7, 2021
Senior Airman March 17, 2023
(Current as of May 2025)