15th EMTF receives new command chief

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kristen Rohrer
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
The 15th Expeditionary Mobility Task Force recently welcomed a new member to the Team Travis family.

Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Blodgett, 15th EMTF command chief, arrived in September from Dover Air Force Base, Del., where he served as 436th Airlift Wing command chief.
"My wife and I are excited to be here beginning our new adventure on the west coast," he said.

As the command chief of the 15th EMTF, he is responsible for maintaining a liaison between the commander, Brig. Gen. Mark Stearns, and the EMTF enlisted force, advising the commander on various matters influencing the health, welfare, morale, training and effective use of all assigned enlisted personnel.

"I provide leadership and direction for 2,095 enlisted technicians and operators in 52 different Air Force specialties, supporting 20 locations throughout the U.S., the Pacific and Asia," the chief said.

After joining the Air Force in 1980, Chief Blodgett never expected to make it to his current rank. "When I joined the Air Force, I had every intention to get out after four years and take my experience and training [as a law enforcement specialist] and get a job as a police officer in the civilian sector," he said. "But ... I loved what I was doing, had won several awards and decided to continue for another four years. I said I would get out of the service when it was no longer fun ... I'm still here!"

After a total of 16 different assignments, including stops in Guam, Korea and numerous stateside Air Force bases, Chief Blodgett is glad to be serving at Travis.

"I hope to contribute to the mission and vision of the 15th EMTF, as well as integrate our extraordinary Airmen into this great team and community, and help continue to make this base the best in Air Mobility Command and the Air Force," Chief Blodgett added.

Taking care of the Airmen he oversees is one of Chief Blodgett's main priorities and for him, the most important way to carry out the mission successfully.

"I would like to be remembered as a chief who balances the needs of the Air Force and mission with the needs of the Airmen and their families. As Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Air Force Chief of Staff, stated, '...now more than ever, we must attend to the needs of our hard working men and women who are the backbone of our military machine.'"

After serving for more than 25 years, Chief Blodgett offers several words of wisdom for all Airmen.
"I am extremely proud to be a warrior Airman in the 'youngest' branch of our Armed Forces. Remember the part we all have played in defending freedom and protecting those who cannot protect themselves. Never forget our proud heritage and always strive to take part in events that honor those who came before us."

"Thanks to Team Travis for the warm welcome Susie and I received, and we look forward to serving with all of you as part of our proud Air Force and Travis heritage."