ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) -- Chief Master Sgt. David R. Wolfe became the 21st Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force during an Assumption of Responsibility ceremony Dec. 8 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, succeeding Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David A. Flosi.
“America’s Airmen are lucky to call Chief Wolfe CMSAF! I know he will continue his tireless efforts on behalf of Airmen and their families,” said Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink. “Welcome to the team Chief!”
Wolfe, who assumed the position after more than 33 years of service, began his career in missile security at F.E. Warren Air Force Base. He also served in elite guard at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, counter-terrorism and protective services in Naples, Italy, and security forces at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska. Additionally, he served as an instructor and later as commandant of the Airman Leadership School and the Noncommissioned Officer Academy, contributing to the development of leaders throughout the force. Wolfe has also served as a command chief at two wings, one numbered air force, and two major commands.
“What stands out most, and what gives me absolute confidence in him as the next CMSAF is that Chief Wolfe is, at his core, an Airman devoted to making other Airmen better, including me,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach. “He embodies character, courage, humility, and willingness to fight for what matters... There is no better exemplar for enlisted Airmen and no better person to serve as our most senior enlisted leader than Chief Wolfe.”
Throughout his career, Wolfe has emphasized teamwork, shared responsibility, and ensuring Airmen have the resources they need to accomplish the mission. He consistently credits the unwavering support of his family as central to his ability to serve.
“When I say the Air Force has given me everything, I mean it,” Wolfe said. “If I had not joined the Air Force, I would not have met my wife, and for me, that’s everything!”
Wolfe also acknowledged that the CMSAF position carries the responsibility to represent and advocate for every Airman, aligning their needs with operational requirements.
“The Chief of Staff and I are committed to advocating for the resources our Airmen need to accomplish the mission. As Gen. Wilsbach stated in his first letter to the force, every Airman in every AFSC supports the two most important things we do: fly and fix airplanes,” said Wolfe. “If we want to continue projecting world-class airpower, we have more work to do for our Airmen on the ground.”
Wolfe said each assignment in his career has been meaningful because of the people he served alongside and the missions he supported. The legacy of those who came before him shaped who he is today.
“Years ago, my brother Jim gave me some of my dad’s uniform items. Since then, I’ve worn an extra seal on the inside of my jacket, the one that belonged to my late father, Staff Sgt. Thomas Robert Wolfe. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps and was among the first Airmen to forge a new service on 18 September 1947,” said Wolfe. “In his duties as a combat photographer, he was one of the first to document the aftermath of the atomic bombs. My dad didn’t just capture history; he made it. His service is a part of the proud heritage and legacy of valor we pledge to honor as Airmen.”
Wolfe emphasized that the experiences and lessons learned from leaders who paved the way for today’s Airmen will guide him as he takes on his responsibilities as the Air Force’s senior enlisted advisor.
Chief Master Sgt. David R. Wolfe now serves as the 21st Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force.