Top enlisted Airman visits Dyess

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Joel Mease
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley visited Airmen and facilities here, March 6. During his visit he conducted an enlisted call, visited with Airmen where they live and work, toured facilities and spoke at the 7th Maintenance Group Maintenance Professional of the Year banquet. 

"I am very impressed with the Airmen at Dyess," Chief McKinley said. "Keeping these B-1s and the C-130s flying is an important mission and these Airmen are doing a fantastic job. Their esprit de corps is also very impressive." 

Besides the maintenance on the ground to get planes in the air, the chief said he was also impressed with the Airmen supporting the flying mission. 

"Particularly impressive are the dormitory improvements," he said. "I also took notice of the programs the chapel has offered like the Soul Fire Café, where Airmen can take some time off and relax or seek advice if needed." 

While at Dyess, the chief had the opportunity to hear concerns from the enlisted force. One of the concerns he heard most came from maintenance. 

"I think the one thing that stood out was a call for more experienced maintainers on the Dyess flightline," Chief McKinley said. 

Noting that more than 1,000 Dyess Airmen are deployed at the moment, he discussed the work those back home are doing. 

"Were an expeditionary Air Force and we should be ready to go at all times. Those who are deployed make us proud with the work they do," he said. "However, not everybody deploys. We still have a mission to do back at home station and having less people at our home base can lead to extended hours and more work added for those remaining. The Airmen at Dyess are doing a great job at keeping the mission going." 

While here he also stressed the need to remain fit. 

"It's not the fitness test I care about," said Chief McKinley. "It's about staying fit for life. I would like to see all Airmen improve their culture of being healthy. If everyone has a healthy mindset, then the fitness test won't be an issue. " 

Chief McKinley's retirement on June 30 was recently announced. As he visits bases over the next few months, Airmen are what he will remember most, he said. 

"It's not going to be about the aircraft or this uniform," he said. "It's Airmen who matter most to me. I've had many opportunities in my career to mentor either as an NCO, first sergeant, command chief or where I am now. The ability to improve people's lives is something none of us should let pass by the way side."