18th Air Force command chief engages with MacDill Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ryan C. Grossklag
  • 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

Team MacDill was honored to host Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Simpson, the 18th Air Force command chief, Jan. 29 through Feb. 1.

Simpson took the trip from Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, to the Tampa Bay area to engage with MacDill Airmen and serve as the guest speaker for the Chief Master Sergeant Induction Ceremony held Jan. 31, at the University Club of Tampa.

“It’s a blessing to be here and to honor nine well deserving Airmen,” said Simpson in his speech. “It’s an honor to stand on the stage and look at a crowd full of proud family members, leaders and all of you to honor these outstanding Airmen.”

Among the stops on Simpson’s visit was one event specifically requested by the 18th AF command chief – fly in a KC-135 Stratotanker. The flight was momentous in that MacDill KC-135’s refueled two KC-46 Pegasus aircraft assigned to McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, in a display of the generational tanker aircraft.

“When senior leaders take the time to visit and engage with Airmen of all ranks, it has a far reaching impact," said Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Green, 6th Air Refueling Wing command chief. "The mentorship Airmen gain can shape their professional development, as well as how they communicate and produce in their work centers.”

During the visit, Simpson toured MacDill’s explosive ordnance disposal and parachute riggers facilities and spent time with Airmen currently enrolled in airman leadership school.

Simpson’s visit concluded as he served as the guest speaker at the induction ceremony, celebrating nine MacDill Airmen for reaching the pinnacle of the enlisted rank structure.

“Leadership, is not about the leaders,” spoke Simpson. “Leadership is about knowing who you supervise and working every day to make them better.”