Photo By Airman 1st Class Theodore Gowdy | Chief master sergeants and chief master sergeants-select attend an Agile Combat...... read more read more
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JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska – Newly selected Air Force chief master sergeants and other high ranking enlisted leadership from the Pacific Air Force gathered for the 2026 PACAF Chief Orientation at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 18-20.
Attendees discussed operational readiness, theater posture, Agile Combat Employment and other topics designed to prepare the new chiefs for their increased leadership responsibilities.
“I just hope everybody takes away from this, that not only are they now part of the 1% right there, they're chiefs in the Pacific Air Force Command,” said Chief Master Sgt. James Hoskins, 673d Logistics Readiness Group senior enlisted leader.
One of the main events was a simulated ACE airfield demonstration at Camp Mad Bull. The new chiefs were able to examine unique assets and capabilities before observing a mock scenario. The demonstration showcased how the various personnel assigned would function in an adverse situation, and how they can continue to generate and sustain air power while defending operations and personnel.
“Thankfully our Eleventh Air Force team here decided that we could host it at JBER because we've got the facility to come out and train at Camp Mad Bull, and we've got some great facilities to bring everybody here,” said Hoskins.
The PACAF Chief Orientation has been held since 1984, and is formatted as a multiday course for new chief master sergeants to gain experience and insights into how better to lead the other 99% of enlisted airmen. Chiefs attend briefings with key leadership, participate in networking and team building activities, and experience operation demonstrations they would be tasked with facilitating and leading.
“Chiefs are heavily reliant on making connections and breaking down barriers for their airmen, and they do that through the relationships that they build,” said Hoskins.
After the completion of the orientation, the newly selected chiefs gain a better understanding of their new roles and the expectations placed on them. They also learn more about how to utilize and rely on their resources, their teams and each other.
“The Air Force is putting a lot of faith and trust in you,” said Chief Master Sgt. Katie McCool, Pacific Air Forces command chief. “I mean it as a chief who's been doing this business for a long time, as a chief who in the next year will take this uniform off for the very last time and move on to something different. I feel very confident in the Air Force that we have and the chiefs that will help lead it.”
| Date Taken: | 08.21.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.27.2026 14:30 |
| Story ID: | 573030 |
| Location: | ALASKA, US |
| Web Views: | 21 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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