New Mustang command chief joins the herd

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Stuart Camp
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The 51st Fighter Wing's command chief arrived amidst a fury of preparations and exercises for this year's combined unit inspection, and he charged into a vital role at Osan.

As the command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Brendan Criswell is the principal advisor to the wing commander on all enlisted issues, including matters affecting the health, morale and welfare of assigned enlisted personnel. He also oversees the quality of life and installation support for people assigned to the wing and tenant units.

The chief joined the thundering herd in February from a similar post at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas.

"I'm excited to join the Mustangs, and I'm very motivated to ensure our Airmen are well trained, have the right tools and the best environment to accomplish our vital mission," Criswell said.

The chief joined the Air Force in 1989 after a relative suggested that the military would provide direction in his life, and shortly thereafter graduated technical training as a radio communications analyst. In the nearly 23 years since, the native New Yorker has deployed three times, received two associates degrees and a bachelor's degree. He efficiently moved through the ranks -- tacking on the top enlisted stripe Dec. 1, 2007.

"I have always been driven to be the best that I could be at whatever I was asked to do," he said. "Whether it was my primary job or an additional duty, I wanted to be the go-to Airman. That drive has helped me progress in each job I've been given, and I am truly humbled to be able to serve so many Airmen."

Criswell's wife, Christine, is joining him this month for the remainder of a two-year hitch at Osan. He understands having family here is a luxury, and he focuses on the purpose of the wing's presence and mission. He spends healthy amounts of his days among the Airmen and civilians measuring the quality of life and installation support, as it is a key component of his job.

"I want to get to know as many Airmen in the wing as possible, and I won't be able to do that from my desk," he said. "One thing I never assume is that my past experience has necessarily set me up for success in the future. You have to approach every new job with the same energy and enthusiasm to learn as you did at your first duty assignment. My last job was my first time serving as a command chief, and I learned a lot about taking care of Airmen and their families."

And the chief's messages to Osan Airmen are simple reminders and expectations for duty in Korea and in the U.S. Air Force.

"Execute your mission and be ready to fight tonight," he said. "Know and follow the standards and correct those who don't. Leave Osan a little better than you found it."