Ninth AF receives new command chief

  • Published
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Chief Master Sgt. James Davis became the 9th Air Force's new command chief Aug. 3.

As command chief, it is Chief Davis' responsibility to advise and assist the 9th Air Force commander in all matters concerning enlisted members of the organization. He has been in the Air Force for more than 26 years, the majority of which he spent as a security forces Airman.

"I am grateful and humbled at the opportunity to serve. I want them [Airmen] to understand that we care. We care about what they are going through today. Truly, if it matters to them, it matters to us," Chief Davis said. "We want to make sure they are taken care of in every way, shape, form and fashion. I want our Airmen to place a demand on us to meet their needs. Don't let us just sit back at Ninth Air Force Headquarters, but challenge us to do the job."

Beginning Oct. 1, the 325th Fighter Wing will transition to Air Combat Command from Air Education and Training Command, a move that will also include alignment under Ninth AF.

According to Shaw officials, Ninth AF is a component numbered Air Force of ACC. It was activated Aug. 5, 2009, but has been used in service since World War II. It is headquartered at U.S. Air Forces Central, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., and is responsible for preparing Airmen to meet the demands of today's expeditionary taskings while preparing for tomorrow's fight and providing focused professional development at all levels.

Ninth Air Force is also responsible for ensuring the agile combat support capabilities of seven wings and two direct reporting units in the eastern United States. These units encompass more than 350 aircraft and 24,000 active duty and civilian personnel. Ninth Air Force is also responsible for the operational readiness of 14, 9th-Air-Force-gained National Guard and Air Force Reserve units.

Numbered Air Forces, such as the 9th AF, is subordinate to a major command and does not have a management role. It is a tactical organization with an operational focus and does not have the same functional staff as a major command.


(Ninth Air Force Public Affairs contributed to this article.)