LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
The 1st Fighter Wing' s newest command chief has arrived.
Chief Master Sgt. James MacKinley, who succeeds Chief Master Sgt. James Johnson, spent his first official day here, Feb. 12.
Chief MacKinley, a Texas native, spent his career as an inventory management specialist before becoming a command chief in January 2004 for the 380th Wing, Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. During his two years at Nellis AFB, Nev., Chief MacKinley was the command chief at the 57th Wing, which gave the chief an opportunity to work with the F-22A Raptor before the aircraft arrived here.
The chief earned his Community College of the Air Force degree and finished his Bachelor of Science degree at Bellevue University in human resource management.
"Chief MacKinley was chosen based on his performance and impact he made at Nellis," said Brig. Gen. Burt Field, 1st FW commander. "His reputation for assisting and mentoring Airmen makes him perfect for the job."
During his 25 years of service, Chief MacKinley earned the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with six oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.
The chief, who joined the Air Force for job security, educational opportunities and a chance to see the world, spends his spare time reading nonfiction books, running and spending time with his wife and daughters.
Often confused with Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney McKinley, who was the 1st FW command chief in 2004, Chief MacKinley is focused on the wing's enlisted force.
"My focal point now is Airmen at Langley," said Chief MacKinley. "I will assist in training, organizing and equipping our expeditionary Airmen to deploy, fight and win, while providing first class support to Team Langley, all in an effort to support the Air Force priorities of winning the global war on terrorism, taking care of Airmen and recapitalization of the aircraft fleet."