KADENA AIR BASE, Japan— As a keystone of the Pacific, Kadena Air Base serves as a hub for various aircraft, service components, and mission sets. This environment demands exceptional leadership to maintain, manage, and execute U.S. objectives effectively. Chief Master Sergeants, the highest enlisted rank, possess the strategic leadership skills and influence necessary to ensure that all Airmen are well-trained, equipped, and resourced for mission success.

Recently, newly promoted CMSgts and Chief selects from the 18th Wing and 353rd Special Operations Wing participated in a Senior Enlisted Leader Course from March 6-8, 2025. This course aimed to prepare them for the increased responsibility of representing all Airmen, regardless of their Air Force Specialty Code, to ensure they are lethal, ready, and capable for tomorrow.

“Making Chief will get you to the table, but competence and confidence will keep you at the table,” noted CMSgt Wolfgang. “The purpose of this course is to make sure we [Kadena Chiefs] develop systems and networks that will leave a lasting legacy.”

To foster an enhanced culture of accountability within their teams, the newly promoted Chiefs plan to implement mentorship programs that emphasize personal responsibility and collective ownership of mission outcomes.

These initiatives will be directly aligned with the Air Force’s latest priorities, including fostering a focus on readiness and promoting a culture of high standards, accountability, and innovation to ensure all Airmen feel empowered.

The course covered several important topics, including Pacific Theater History, current theater posture briefings, mission command, Installation and Ops Law, and mentorship sessions aimed at preparing attendees to lead Airmen through contingency, real-world, and emergency situations.

In attendance was CMSgt Shaun Campbell, the 5th Air Force Command Chief, who emphasized the significance of understanding warfighting roles and perspectives in the Indo-Pacific region and the defense of Japan.

“If something is wrong, start with yourself,” Campbell stated, referencing the culture of an organization. “You have to create and cultivate a culture of accountability because our allies and partners are counting on us.”

In line with the Air Force’s focus on readiness, the CMSgts will adapt training and resources for Airmen to ensure they can respond effectively to evolving threats. This includes enhancing technical training and investing in advanced leadership development programs to prepare Airmen for future challenges.

Organizational culture is at the forefront of senior leaders’ minds as the Air Force refocuses on a warrior ethos mindset, the embodiment of the warrior spirit: tough-mindedness, tireless motivation, an unceasing vigilance, a commitment to be the world’s premier air, space, and cyberspace force, and if necessary, a willingness to sacrifice one’s life for the defense of the Nation.

CMSgt. Katie McCool, Pacific Air Forces command chief, highlighted the critical importance of readiness and taking care of Airmen and Families as a guest panelist for the course as well.

“Our focus right now is to make sure that our Airmen have the resources and the training to be ready today, with the focus to continue to train and be even more ready as we step into future threats,” McCool said. “The moment may come where we ask them [Airmen] to give more than ever, and they need to be ready.”

In regard to family support, the Chiefs discussed initiatives that would enhance programs aimed at promoting welfare and resilience, recognizing that the families of Airmen play a critical role in maintaining operational effectiveness.

By providing accessible resources and encouraging open lines of communication, they aim to empower families to adapt alongside their service members.

Something retired Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman Ramón “CZ” Colón-López, who previously served as the 4th SEAC of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and as the 18th Wing Command Chief, emphasized as he met virtually with the Kadena Chiefs to discuss the current state of affairs.

“It is everyone’s responsibility to create a culture that they want to belong to,” stated SEAC Colón-López.

The course concluded with Kadena’s official Chief Recognition Ceremony in which all eight new inductees and their families celebrated their tremendous accomplishments before accepting the Chief’s Creed.

“Enjoy your night tonight,” said Wolfgang. “Tomorrow its no longer about you but rather about the Airmen you serve and it’s up to you equip, empower, and inspire them to be ready for whatever our nation may call on them to do.”