SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Aug. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Applied Biologics today announced that Edward Britt, Chief Executive Officer of Applied Biologics and a former United States Marine Corps F/A-18 pilot, has been selected to serve as an Honorary Commander at Luke Air Force Base as part of the 56th Fighter Wing Honorary Commander Program.
Britt has been selected as Honorary Commander for the 56th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron (56 OMRS) and will be paired with Lieutenant Colonel Bashir B. Elkhoury, Commander of the squadron.
The appointment carries particular significance for Britt, who previously served as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps and flew the F/A-18 Hornet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 (VMFA-232). Known as the “Red Devils,” VMFA-232 traces its history to 1925 and is the Marine Corps’ oldest active fighter squadron.
“Being selected as an Honorary Commander at Luke is especially meaningful to me because military aviation was such an important part of my life,” said Britt. “Years ago, I had the privilege of serving as a Marine Corps F/A-18 pilot with VMFA-232. I have enormous respect for the men and women who continue to serve, and the opportunity to return to the military aviation community in a different capacity and become part of the Luke Air Force Base family is a tremendous honor.”
Britt continued, “I am particularly honored to be paired with Lieutenant Colonel Elkhoury and the 56th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron. My career after the Marine Corps ultimately led me into healthcare and biotechnology, so there is a unique connection between my past and present in this assignment. I look forward to learning from the Airmen of the 56th OMRS, supporting their mission, and developing relationships that extend well beyond the formal program.”
The Luke Air Force Base Honorary Commander Program pairs community and business leaders with commanders across the 56th Fighter Wing. The program is designed to strengthen relationships between Luke Air Force Base and the surrounding community while providing civilian leaders with greater understanding of the Air Force mission, its Airmen, and the role of the 56th Fighter Wing.
Honorary Commanders participate in unit and base activities throughout a two-year term, providing opportunities to develop relationships with their assigned commanders and Airmen while strengthening connections between Luke Air Force Base and the Arizona community.
Britt will formally join Luke’s “Thunderbolt Nation” during the Honorary Commanders’ reception and induction ceremony at Luke Air Force Base on September 25, 2026.
“The Marine Corps had a profound influence on the way I approach leadership, responsibility, and service,” Britt added. “Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my business career. I am grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with that tradition of service and, in some small way, support the Airmen and mission of Luke Air Force Base.”
About Edward Britt
Edward Britt is an entrepreneur, biotechnology executive, and former United States Marine Corps officer and F/A-18 pilot. He served as a Captain in the Marine Corps and flew the F/A-18 Hornet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 (VMFA-232), the Marine Corps’ oldest active fighter squadron.
Britt joined the Board of Directors of Applied Biologics in 2013 and became Chief Executive Officer in 2014. Under his leadership, Applied Biologics has expanded from its origins in advanced wound care into a biopharmaceutical company advancing clinical-stage biologic development, regenerative medicine, and gene therapy research.
About Applied Biologics
Applied Biologics is a biopharmaceutical company advancing novel therapies for serious diseases with significant unmet medical needs.
The Company’s pipeline includes programs focused on chronic wounds, degenerative diseases, immunology, and regenerative medicine. Applied Biologics is committed to advancing innovative therapies through rigorous scientific development, clinical validation, and regulatory excellence.
MEDIA CONTACT: Molly Murphy Executive Assistant Applied Biologics, LLC molly.murphy@appliedbiologics.com
