Chief Master Sergeant David Wolfe officially took on the role of chief master sergeant of the U.S. Air Force during a ceremony held on November 13, 2023. This event marked Wolfe as the service’s 21st top enlisted leader, succeeding Chief Master Sergeant David Flosi, who announced his retirement earlier in October following the passing of his wife.
The ceremony took place at Joint Base Andrews and was attended by Air Force personnel, family, and friends. Chief Master Sgt. Flosi was unable to attend due to personal circumstances. The event was live-streamed on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) and began with a rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” followed by an invocation delivered by Air Force Chaplain Colonel Christopher LaPack.
Wolfe’s Leadership and Experience
Presiding over the ceremony was Air Force Chief of Staff General Kenneth Wilsbach, who described those who have served as chief master sergeants as part of an “elite group.” Wolfe is stepping into a role that has only seen 20 predecessors, making this transition particularly notable.
In his speech, Wilsbach emphasized the high expectations placed on Wolfe, stating, “Leadership that inspires empathy, energy that never runs out, a work ethic that motivates and raises the standard for all senior enlisted leaders across the force.” Wolfe’s extensive career began in 1992, with a background in security forces operations, training, and protective services. Before his current position, he served as the command chief master sergeant of Air Combat Command at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, where he advised on personnel well-being and morale.
Wilsbach expressed confidence in Wolfe’s abilities, noting that he embodies “character, courage, humility, and a willingness to fight for what matters.” He highlighted Wolfe’s commitment to service, mentioning that Wolfe was on the path to retirement when he accepted the call to lead as the Air Force’s senior enlisted leader.
Acknowledgments and Future Goals
During the ceremony, Wolfe’s wife, Doniel, along with their grandchildren, presented him with his new service dress coat, which bears the insignia of his new position. General Wilsbach also exchanged the service cap device, symbolizing Wolfe’s new responsibilities. Wilsbach’s wife, Cindy, welcomed Doniel Wolfe to the Air Force leadership team by presenting her with a bouquet of flowers.
In his address, Wolfe expressed gratitude to his family, friends, and mentors for their unwavering support. He stated, “It is because of you that we step into this role with the kind of determination and conviction one reserves for a vow to their family.” Wolfe underscored the necessity for improved support for the airmen, asserting they “deserve better” than to confront challenges that arise from inadequate resources.
“The sun never sets on the mission and consequently on our airmen,” Wolfe remarked. He vowed to dedicate his tenure to enhancing the support systems for airmen, promising, “We owe you better equipment, more parts, and more resources to defend our nation, fix our aircraft, and generate the airpower we need.”
Wolfe’s commitment to improving the conditions for enlisted personnel signifies a pivotal moment in the U.S. Air Force, as he aims to build a stronger foundation for future operations.
