In celebration of significant dedication and resilience, Captain Nabhan Yehia, an outstanding Air Force army expert, and a top-level graduate from the University of Balamand (UOB), has demonstrated unwavering commitment and exemplary leadership, both during his pursuit of academic excellence and during his military service.

Captain Yehia was a devoted student who balanced academia and military commitments with remarkable devotion. Captain Yehia holds two Bachelor degrees: a BS in Military Sciences from the Lebanese Military Academy and a BTech in Aircraft Maintenance from the Issam Fares Faculty of Technology at UOB. In 2016, Captain Yehia successfully completed his graduate studies at the Faculty of Engineering, earning a well-deserved Master’s Degree in Engineering Management. He was one of the university’s notable students who graduated with distinction holding a GPA of 3.65 and a cumulative average of 91.5%. His master’s thesis focused on: “A stochastic detailed scheduling model for periodic maintenance of military rotorcraft”, and supervised by the course director, Dr. Nabil Semaan. The thesis was further published in 2019 in Emerald Insights Journal. Captain Yehia’s journey through academia was marked by exceptional achievements, and despite the challenges faced, Captain Yehia displayed unwavering determination and a firm commitment to his education. His experience in the armed forces, coupled with his academic knowledge, provided a unique perspective that enriched classroom discussions and inspired others to excel.

Captain Yehia embarked on his professional journey in 2011 as a Logistics Warehouse Manager and the Chief of Search and Rescue Operations at Hamat Airbase. In 2013, he started his path as the Chief Engineer of Puma SA330 Helicopter Maintenance. Captain Yehia’s remarkable career progression within the Hamat Airbase showcases his diverse skills and extensive expertise. Over time, he attained consecutive promotions and assumed various positions (Aviation Safety Officer, Head of Quality Control Department, Lecturer at Military Academy and Airforce School, Head of Training and Development Department) culminating in his appointment in 2020 as the Aviation Production and Planning Manager (Puma SA330SM helicopters and A29 Super Tucano Aircraft) at the same Airbase. Currently, Captain Yehia holds the position of Maintenance Director of 3 fleets of aircrafts (PUMA SA330SM, A-29 SUPER TUCANO, MD530F).

Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and an unwavering commitment and passion to fostering growth, Captain Yehia has earned the esteemed role of Coordinator of Cadets Curriculum and Studies at UOB in 2014 for five consecutive years, a position that comes with great honor and responsibility. In this capacity, Captain Yehia served as a crucial liaison between UOB and the Air Force, forging strong connections and facilitating collaboration for the benefit of both entities.

During his career, Captain Yehia has undergone a wide range of Air Force-related courses as part of his professional development. In 2012, he fulfilled a Diploma in Aviation Maintenance Management from the United States Aviation Center of Excellence, Alabama. In 2017, he completed the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) course offered by the Pakistan Air Force in Pakistan. In the same year, he graduated the Squadron Leader Management Course held in the Lebanese Military Academy. In 2018, he further enhanced his expertise by attending the Explosives Ordnance and Flammable Material course conducted by the Royal Australian Air Force in Sydney, Australia. Additionally in 2019, he also participated in the Planning and Scheduling of Overhaul Maintenance course organized by the Jordan Aeronautical-Systems Company (JAC) in Amman, Jordan.

Captain Yehia has further acquired multiple prestigious military accolades further enhancing his career achievements. Among these notable awards are the Forensic Investigator Certificate by the Military Court Beirut in 2012, the Commissioned Officer Certificate, PUMA SA330 SM by the Maintenance Wing, Hamat Airbase, Lebanon in 2012, the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence Student Badge received in 2012, the Faculty Award for Academic Excellence in recognition of his remarkable achievements at the Faculty of Engineering in 2017, and the Military Appreciation Medal presented from the Minister of Defense in 2019.

When asked about his past academic journey at UOB, Captain Yehia expressed gratitude for the unwavering support received from his UOB mentors and stated: “Since my enrollment at UOB, my journey has been marked by a steadfast commitment to personal and professional growth. Throughout my studies, I made it a priority with the help of the outstanding professors, to extract invaluable insights from each course, with the intent of serving the Lebanese Air Force, a cause that I deeply cherish. I firmly believe in the power of sharing knowledge, and I have always been eager to pass on what I have learned. This philosophy has been instrumental in my success, as I believe that collective growth is essential for achieving remarkable outcomes. Together, let us break barriers, inspire others, and embrace the limitless possibilities that lie ahead”.

Vice President for Internationalization and Engagement and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Prof. Rami Abboud commended Captain Yehia’s remarkable journey and stated: “Captain Yehia’s exceptional commitment serves as a shining example of the transformative power of education and the unwavering dedication displayed by those who have selflessly served their nation. His remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment inspire us all to strive for excellence, overcome challenges, and make a positive impact on the world through applied and translational research. His story will undoubtedly resonate with future generations, serving as an inspiration of hope and resilience in the face of hardships. Best of luck Captain!” ​​