Incirlik’s new command chief digs in

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Ray Bowden
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Twenty four-years and nine assignments after enlisting in the Air Force at age 18, Chief Master Sgt. Robert Ellis assumed responsibilities as the 39th Air Base Wing's latest command chief.

In an interview held in his office on the second floor of the 39 ABW headquarters building, Chief Ellis said he does not take his position for granted, and will intimately acquaint himself with Incirlik's mission and people.

"My main concern is becoming familiar with the enlisted pulse," he said. "This means getting to know Incirlik Airmen, their needs and desires, and challenges they face."

To facilitate this, Chief Ellis has immersed himself in the local culture and visited various Incirlik units.

"I can't do it from here," he said, referring to his office. "I've got to get out-and-about. It's an all-encompassing task and I have to lead by example. I can't expect other supervisors to get out-and-about in their work areas if I'm not doing the same thing."

Along with regularly visiting Incirlik's work centers, Chief Ellis hopes to inspire Incirlik Airmen to become familiar with the Airman's Creed, which he believes is essential to furthering the bond between Airmen.

"The creed describes who we are," he said. "At the end of the day, our common bond as Airmen holds us together. Regardless of our career, ethnicity or rank, we're all American Airmen. The Airman's Creed speaks volumes of this bond."

Additionally, Chief Ellis said local Airmen should not be surprised when he approaches their work centers and requests they recite the Airman's Creed from memory. In fact, during a recent visit to the 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron, he asked Airman 1st Class Marilyn Ballister, 39 LRS, to state the creed.

"She didn't hesitate at all," said the chief. "I'd like to think we could all show this level of dedication."

And, while working to solidify enlisted camaraderie may be one of the command chief's "hot topics," he also intends to cultivate a strong relationship with the 39 ABW commander.

"That relationship has to be right," he said. "Both the wing commander and the command chief should be on the same page. While we may attack issues from different perspectives, it's crucial we show strong leadership and a united front."

Col. Phil McDaniel, 39th Air Base Wing commander, concurs.

"The relationship between a wing commander and the command chief is critical to the smooth operation of the wing," he said. "We set the tone and conditions for the success of all our Airmen."

Colonel McDaniel and Chief Ellis recently had an opportunity to chat about philosophy and the Incirlik ethos during a flight to Ramstein Air Base, Germany. They also discussed various short-and long-term objectives that will lead to various Incirlik upgrades.

"Ultimately, the commander makes the decisions - my role is to advise," said Chief Ellis.

The chief explained that while the needs of the Air Force always come first, he will seriously consider supporting any quality of life upgrade or development which would lead to the enhancement of Airmen's morale and readiness.

Chief Ellis said he was somewhat apprehensive when he learned he had orders to Incirlik, but any hesitation disappeared as soon as he set foot on Incirlik soil.

The first large wing function the chief attended was the "going away" party held at Arkadas Park for Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Antwine, previous 39 ABW command chief. According to Chief Ellis, this gathering offered insight into the cohesiveness of the Incirlik community.

"It's definitely a community in every sense of the word," he said. "You could tell everyone felt a part of something bigger than themselves."

Another glimpse of this unity was the support Chief Ellis and his wife, Melody, received before and during their move to the wing. Chief Ellis hails it as "the best you could ask for."

"Colonel McDaniel and Chief Antwine went to great lengths to make us feel welcome," he said. "Chief Antwine made sure there was a house ready for us and that all of our furniture arrived. I couldn't have asked for more."

And, as far as his command chief duties are concerned, Chief Ellis said he benefited from having a few extra days to spend with Chief Antwine before the outgoing chief left for his latest assignment in Kuwait.

"Typically, you do not get a lot of turnover," said Chief Ellis. "You rely on the chief's assistant and the group chiefs for information, but I got lucky."

The chief said he intends to continue with Chief Antwine's improvements and will work with Colonel McDaniel for the betterment of Incirlik.

"Chief Ellis comes to our wing with impeccable credentials," said Colonel McDaniel. "His past experience will undoubtedly enable his success with the wing and allow the two of us to effectively guide the men and women of the 39 ABW to even greater heights."