MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- The Pacific Air Forces’ command chief received a base tour, here, July 10 – 13, to visit various shops and organizations while sharing his goals for improving PACAF’s enlisted force so they can work at their highest level.
Previously a security forces Defender, Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Johnson, the PACAF command chief since November 2016, now leads more than 40,000 Airmen and is tasked with advising the PACAF commander on all matters affecting readiness, training, professional development and effective utilization of assigned enlisted personnel.
“I’m identifying the challenges and barriers that prevent our Airmen from performing optimally in their environment and it starts with the [enlisted service members],” Johnson said. “I do not want members losing their voice. If they have concerns, leadership needs personnel to elevate them so we can address it.”
The Alabama native took time to visit nearly all of the shops around base, and host an enlisted all call. He had the opportunity to hear ideas from all ranks to pass to PACAF senior leadership, including the Misawa Ready Technician Program, which ensures skills levels are consistent across the board for Airmen and NCOs.
”Team Misawa is getting after it,” Johnson said. “Col. Jobe and his team here are doing a fantastic job in leading the effort in codifying new tactics, techniques and procedures, making our Airmen most effective at a junior level.”
While speaking with Airmen he also provided advice to all ranks and career fields based on his personal experiences.
“My aspirations for our Airmen is to think critically as it pertains to readiness development of our forces,” Johnson said. “I want NCOs to understand they have an ability to make changes in their organizations and I want to look at what we can do to enhance our leaders so they can make the right decisions they are empowered to make.”
He reassured Airmen he is here to serve them and make any necessary improvements to enhance work environments and quality of life.
“I can talk about logistics and our capabilities, but at the end of the day it’s about honest feedback and what’s on Airmen’s minds,” Johnson said. “I’m here to help, because the only reason why we are here together is because of the uniform we wear and why we serve.”
Chief Johnson’s visit helped Misawa Airmen understand their important role within the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
“There are two things Misawa can take away from Chief Master Sgt. Johnson’s visit and feedback; one this visit really put into focus where we are going and what we are looking at from command perspective, which is understanding the forward operating environment we are in,” said Chief Master Sgt. Charles Frizzell, the 35th Fighter Wing command chief. “Secondly, it highlighted to him and his command Team Misawa is definitely ready to handle anything that comes our way in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.”