AMC Command Chief completes Air Force career

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kristine Dreyer
  • Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Her Air Force story began in September 1984 as a young girl from New Orleans, Louisiana, when she left for basic training and began her Air Force career with the Louisiana National Guard. 

Nearly 34 years later, Chief Master Sgt. Shelina Frey, Air Mobility Command command chief master sergeant, is retiring from Air Force May 1. She was recognized for her years of service during a retirement ceremony Feb. 16.

Frey entered active duty in 1987, beginning her career as an administrative assistant at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. It was during this assignment where she found her calling as an Airman.

“I made a decision to dedicate myself to the Air Force,” she said. “It quickly became more about the needs of the Air Force than about the needs of Shelina Frey. That is what has made all the difference. Every opportunity the Air Force gave me made me the person I am today, and I am proud of that. The mentorship I have received from my leadership throughout my career and the insight I gained from talking with the awesome Airmen are what I cherish most from my Air Force career.”

Frey served in multiple special duty career fields including professional military education instructor, first sergeant, and assistant to the 12th chief master sergeant of the Air Force. In 2013, she became the first female command chief master sergeant for Air Forces Central Command.

Following her assignment as the 7th Air Force command chief, Gen. Carlton D. Everhart II, AMC commander, selected her to become AMC’s command chief.

"Chief Frey is a 'people-first chief and positively impacted Airmen, families and the mission on a daily basis," said Everhart. "Caring for Airmen is what Chief Frey is all about. Her leadership, energy, drive, and commitment to helping people achieve their full potential and getting the mission accomplished were remarkable. She was a relentless advocate for Airmen and earned the trust and confidence of everyone she served. Her leadership truly made a huge difference in the lives of others."

 

As Frey retires from the Air Force, she vows to remain a part of the AMC family.

During her tenure at AMC, Frey met with Mobility Airmen in every area of the world and brought back information, which she used to advise Everhart on matters that effected the more than 109,000 Total Force enlisted Airmen assigned to AMC units.

Most recently, after soliciting feedback from senior noncommissioned officers, Frey developed the first Superintendent 101 course in Air Mobility Command. The course is intended to provide senior non-commissioned officers with the tools they need to be successful in superintendent roles. 

Frey also managed AMC’s command chiefs and first sergeants and focused on improving sexual assault prevention and response, and Diversity and Inclusion training across the command.

“She epitomizes what it means to be a ‘people-first chief,’” said Everhart. “Our mission and global impact depends on the people who provide rapid global mobility every day. Chief Frey always had the best interests of individual people at heart. She heard their stories, both successes and struggles, and incorporated those personal stories into every role she had as a command chief. I sincerely value Chief Frey and appreciate all she has done for the Air Force and Air Mobility Command.”

As Frey retires from the Air Force, she vows to remain a part of the AMC family.

“I will forever be a part of this amazing Air Force family,” said Frey. “I will remain AMC’s biggest cheerleader and continue to be amazed by the Airmen and their families. Most importantly, I will forever be proud to be AMC.”