PACOM Senior Enlisted Leader Selected for Top Air Force Post

  • Published
  • By US Pacific Command
CAMP SMITH, Hawaii --  Air Force officials announced May 8 that Chief Master Sergeant James A. Roy, currently the Senior Enlisted Leader and advisor to U.S. Pacific Command will be the next Chief Master Sergeant of the United States Air Force following a ceremony June 30.

"I'm honored and blessed to be chosen as the next Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force and look forward to working with Gen. Schwartz and Secretary Donley to represent the best interests of our Air Force family to our nation's leaders as we support today's joint fighter, " said Chief James Roy. "Paula and I are excited for the opportunities that lie ahead and will continue to dedicate ourselves to serving our Air Force."

As chief master sergeant of the Air Force, Roy will represent the highest enlisted level of leadership, and as such, will provide direction for the enlisted corps and represents their interests, as appropriate, to the American public, and to those in all levels of government. He will serve as the personal advisor to the Chief of Staff and the Secretary of the Air Force on all issues regarding the welfare, readiness, morale, and proper utilization and progress of the enlisted force. Chief Roy will be the 16th Chief Master Sergeant appointed to the highest noncommissioned officer position.

"Gen. Schwartz made a wise choice when he selected Chief Master Sgt. Jim Roy and his wife Paula for this position. Our Air Force is very fortunate to have a leader of Chief Roy's caliber," said Adm. Timothy J. Keating, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command. "His valuable experience and proven leadership as PACOM's senior enlisted leader will play a pivotal role in the Air Force's future."

In his duties as the PACOM Senior Enlisted Leader and advisor, Chief Roy traveled extensively throughout the Asia-Pacific region meeting not only with U.S. servicemembers but also with his counterparts among the 36 countries in the PACOM area of responsibility. Of note, Chief Roy led the first senior enlisted delegation to the People's Republic of China in 2008, which resulted in a reciprocal visit to Hawaii later that same year.

"His travels throughout the PACOM area of responsibility and his interactions with the men and women from each of the armed services and those from international militaries will be a significant influence in shaping tomorrow's Airmen," said Keating.

Chief Roy grew up in Monroe, Mich. and entered the Air Force in Sept. 1982. His past assignments include heavy equipment operator in the civil engineer career field and then in leadership positions at the squadron, group, and numbered air force levels. He has served as the command chief master sergeant at wings in Air Education and Training Command, Air Mobility Command and Air Combat Command. He was also deployed as the command chief master sergeant of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia. Prior to assuming his current position, he was the command chief master sergeant for U.S. Forces Japan and Fifth Air Force at Yokota Air Base, Japan.


This article was originally published at: http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123148398