60th AMW welcomes new command chief Published July 18, 2006 By Tech. Sgt. Donald Osborn 60th AMW Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Team Travis' enlisted members have a new voice for enlisted issues. Chief Master Sgt. Michael Williams replaced acting Chief Master Sgt. Carol Johnson as the 60th Air Mobility Wing command chief June 29. As command chief, he serves as the principle advisor to the commander on issues concerning the health, welfare and morale for more than 7,100 enlisted members. Born in Albany, Ga., Chief Williams reported to basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas in December 1982. He began his career as an operations resource management specialist with the 58th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Chief Williams decided to take a break from learning right after high school and elected to join the Air Force to see the world instead of going to college. "Little did I know how much of an impact education would have on my Air Force career," he added. As command chief for Team Travis, Chief Williams said that enlisted members can expect dedication, commitment and loyalty from him on enlisted issues. "We are a nation at war and the noncommissioned officers and the Airmen here at Travis are an integral part of that war," he said. "So they can expect me to be a constant professional representing them well and out front advocating their concerns. "I'm going to be visible, lead by example and make sure our Airmen understand that I truly believe in the phrase mission first, people always," he said. "I'll do my very best to take care of the people because they are the mission." The chief also explained while he is working hard to represent the enlisted force, he expects in return for them to be model Air Force citizens. "I expect our senior NCOs and NCOs to lead by example as well, to mentor and develop our Airmen, and continue their own personal and professional development," he said. "Leading by example begins with taking pride in your appearance, attitude and our unwavering focus on the mission." Prior to becoming the 60th AMW command chief, he served as the command chief for the 91st Space Wing, Minot Air Force Base, N.D. He said he loves being a command chief, although he remains humbled and his wife keeps him grounded. He looks forward to working with his fellow chiefs and first sergeants to accomplish the mission and take care of the people. "I have the best job in the Air Force," he said. "I understand that I am a chief master sergeant in a command position, however, I rely heavily on my peers to take care of our people. "Any chief master sergeant would do a great job at this position," he said. "I'm just fortunate enough to have Col. Arquiette give me an opportunity to be a part of such a great team."Major awards and decorations: * Defense Meritorious Service Medal * Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters * Air Force Commendation Medal * Joint Service Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster * Air Force Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster Other Achievements: * 1989 - 81st Tactical Fighter Wing Operations Resource Manager Noncommissioned Officer of the Year * 1996 - On-Inspection Agency, European Operations Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year * 1996 - Rhein Main Air Base Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year * 1999 - 412th Operations Group Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year * 2000 - Air Force Material Command Operations Resource Manager of the Year * 2000 - Air Force Operations Resource Manager Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year