13th Air Force command chief moves on

  • Published
  • By Capt. Yvonne Levardi
  • 13th Air Force Public Affairs
Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii --  After helping three commanders guide the 13th Air Force through provisional status to premier Component Numbered Air Force status, 13th AF's Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Paul Weseloh is moving on. 

"Being the only provisional command chief in the Air Force and setting up a new level of command, without any guidance or precedence set before us was truly a unique experience," Chief Weseloh said. 

The chief's main job is to advise the commander on matters influencing the health, morale, welfare, quality of life and professional development of all assigned enlisted members - more than 400 Airmen - while helping familiarize Airmen with the new command. 

"One of the challenges of being the 13th AF command chief was socializing the Kenney Headquarters idea in an Air Force and theater that had never heard of a named [versus numbered] organization," Chief Weseloh said. "I believe the 13th AF will continue to be a premier Component-NAF and lead the Air Force in how the JFACC fights the war." 

The chief made it a priority to get to know 13th AF Airmen and frequently visited the squadrons and directorates. He was also one of the driving forces behind the renewal of the Jungle Day tradition, most recently observed April 13, for the first time at Hickam. His leadership made a positive impact on many. 

"I've enjoyed working for the chief," said Senior Airman Chris Robinson, 13th AF Command Chief's Assistant. "He's totally not what I expected. I was prior Army, and I've only been out of tech school for a little less than a year, so he's taught me all I know about the Air Force." 

Chief Weseloh came to Hickam after serving as command chief at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, and a deployed tour as command chief at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyz Republic. His next stop is the Air Intelligence Agency, another organization in transformation. 

"I'm going into an organization that, much like the Kenney Headquarters, is going through a reorganization and restructure," Chief Weseloh said. "Air Intelligence Agency is transforming to meet the needs of today's Air Force." 

With his experience at 13th AF, the chief will be a great asset to the Airmen of AIA.
"I plan to help the organization through the challenges of change and reassure our Airmen that what they do is important no matter what patch they wear or what the name of the organization is," Chief Weseloh said. 

The chief said he will miss the beautiful islands and hospitality of Hawaii, but, in moving to Texas, he is looking forward to being closer to family. 

"Maria and I look forward to the new challenges and new opportunities to work with our Airmen and their families, and my daughter Natalie is excited about moving to Texas and starting in a new school." 

"It's been a privilege to serve with the men and women of Pacific Air Forces and the 13th Air Force in a crucial time in our nation's history," Chief Weseloh said. "Take pride in serving your nation."