Dannelly Field, Ala. -- DANNELLY FIELD, Ala. -- Chief Master Sgt. Mataya C. Williams assumed the duties of the 187th Fighter Wing Command Chief during a change of authority ceremony at Dannelly Field, Ala., on June 6, 2021.
Williams assumed the title of command chief following the transition of Chief Master Sgt. Bernadette Hollinger, who assumed authority as State Command Chief Master Sgt. for the Alabama Air National Guard in May. Hollinger dedicated over 31 years of honorable service to the 187th FW.
“My goals during my tenure as command chief were to assist in changing the wing’s culture, ensure opportunity for all, and, most importantly, take care of all of my airmen no matter the rank,” said Hollinger.
During the ceremony, Col. Douglas D. DeMaio, 187th FW commander, welcomed Williams and expressed confidence in her abilities to lead in this role.
“I met Chief Williams six months ago and her reputation precedes her,” said DeMaio. “She is an airman passionately dedicated to her craft with her full heart and soul in everything she does. The person who occupies the command chief seat is truly the driver of the soul of the wing. She is one of the most talented chiefs that I have ever had the opportunity to work with.”
When Williams addressed the wing she thanked Col. DeMaio for the opportunity and for selecting her for the position. She also thanked her fellow wingmen, family, and friends for their continuous support.
“This position is not about me, but about US,” said Williams. “I am super excited to represent you all as your senior enlisted leader and commit to bringing my best every day. It’s such an honor to be here as a representative of the Tuskegee Airmen; our heritage, our heroes.”
The command chief is responsible for affairs concerning personnel and is the chief enlisted advisor to the wing commander for over 1,300 members on all enlisted matters, including operational effectiveness, readiness, training, health, and morale, technical and professional development.
Regarding the future of the wing, Williams states that remaining agile and combat-ready will ensure that the members do not lose focus as the wing accelerates and transitions to the F-35 Lightning II.
A video introducing the new command chief can be found on the wing website https://www.187fw.ang.af.mil/news