60th AMW greets new command chief

Published Sept. 19, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Amber Carter
60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Chief Master Sgt. Alan Boling officially assumed his position as the 60th Air Mobility Wing command chief Sept. 2 at Travis Air Force Base.

As the highest ranking enlisted Airman on the base, Boling is the primary advisor to the commander on matters concerning the morale, welfare, health and discipline of more than 5,100 enlisted men and women at Travis.

"The goal is to build on Travis' already strong culture and build the most professional Airmen in the Air Force ready for any challenge; professional or personal," Boling said. "I want to encourage 'Triple A' professional Airmen with highly skilled ability and a can-do attitude."

Growing up on a farm in Concordia, Kansas, Boling became familiar with responsibility and hard work.

"My parents taught me how to work and be creative fixing problems," Boling said. "My situation and family growing up made transitioning into the military work-life easy for me."

Boling has a wife, Micaela, and three children, Garritt, Devin and Toni, who have been his support system while serving in the Air Force. His two sons attend the University of Anchorage in Alaska and his daughter, Toni, is turning four in October.

His Air Force career started in communications as a computer operator and he later became an instructor at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. Working at commands such as U.S. Strategic Command, Pacific Air Forces and U.S. Air Forces in Europe have helped develop him as a leader. His most recent assignment was as command chief for USAFE at Lajes Field, Azores.

"I learned a great deal working in Joint Command Headquarters Alaskan Command, U.S. Strategic Command and with the other services during my deployments," he said. "I have been extremely fortunate to have had several great assignments but, more importantly, have had the opportunity to work with some exceptionally great Americans from all branches of the service."

After serving at assignments around the globe, this is Boling's first assignment in California.

"I loved the mountains and outdoor adventures in Alaska," he said. "That's probably one of my favorite assignments. I'm excited to see what California has to offer."

You may see the command chief driving around base in his blue '66 Ford Mustang.

He is not a self-proclaimed collector but the car does have a story.

"My dad bought it for me when I was six years old as a school car," he said. "He and I rebuilt the engine and transmission and it went back in the barn for about 26 years until my oldest son and I brought it out and fixed it up together. It's a lot of fun."

Boling plans to spend his first few weeks getting to know Travis.

"I will be going into the units, meeting our Airmen and hearing about what they do for our nation and our Air Force," Boling said. "Seeing Airmen work well with one another and make big things happen as a team is my favorite part about being a command chief."

Embarking on a new assignment at Travis as the 60th AMW command chief, he has a positive outlook.

"I am extremely impressed with Team Travis and I'm looking forward to serving with the Golden Bears," Boling said. "Respect and develop each other and know we are all one team. Airmen first."