HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The 49th Wing welcomed its new command chief, June 22.
Chief Master Sgt. Barrington Bartlett, the 49th Wing command chief, has taken his position as the principal senior enlisted advisor to the wing commander on all issues regarding the welfare, readiness, morale, and proper utilization and progress of the enlisted force.
“My main priorities are to ensure that I’m aligned with the wing commander and the mission here at Holloman to move the wing forward, develop the enlisted force and make sure the airmen have what they need to accomplish the mission in as comfortable of an environment as possible,” said Bartlett.
Of the many issues Bartlett must focus his efforts, the personal and professional development of Airmen ranks at the top of his list.
“Developing Airmen is the most important to me,” said Bartlett. “Instilling a sense of balance in them to understand that even though there are mission requirements, family requirements and personal goals, they must understand how important it is to find a balance between those things.”
Bartlett has served in the Air Force for nearly 26 years. After enlisting in the Air Force as an Aircraft Structural Maintenance specialist, he spent the early parts of his career repairing physical damage and maintaining the high quality structures of Air Force aircraft.
The recollection of his experiences as a maintenance Airman are what led him to pursue his goal of becoming a command chief.
“I desired to become a command chief because I could remember when I was an airman and I wanted to spread what I’ve learned throughout the years,” said Bartlett.
“I feel like I developed late in my Air Force career and I look back and think ‘How much more could I have accomplished if I would have started earlier and if someone would have been there to lead, guide and help me along the way?’.”
Bartlett continued.
“My job is to understand the commander’s intent and the direction that he wants to move the wing forward in so that I can carry that message to the populace,” said Bartlett. “Then, the force can get a better understanding as to the reasoning behind the decisions we are making. I feel that people do more and are more effective and efficient when they understand the ‘why?’ behind the ‘what we’re doing’.”
Formerly serving as the 56th Maintenance Group superintendent at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, Bartlett and his family were thrilled when they learned they would be heading to the Alamogordo, New Mexico area.
“My wife Veronica and I were very excited to come to Holloman because we were looking forward to coming to a smaller town,” said Bartlett. “In our experience, there is a greater sense of community on the base and with our partners in the surrounding cities. I’m looking forward to getting to know as many people as possible and really getting a chance to experience Alamogordo and New Mexico as a whole as much as I possibly can.”
The command chief is a prominent position in the wing and some personnel may feel as if it would be difficult to engage with them personally. Bartlett wants to destroy that stigma.
“I’m approachable-- no matter who you are, from E-1 to O-6 or civilian,” said Bartlett. “I will definitely take the time to talk to you. Whether it seems like I have time or not, I will make time. That’s what I want people to understand about me more than anything else,”
Bartlett considers himself a servant leader and takes pride in knowing he can potentially make an impact through understanding the needs of the airmen at Holloman.
“I work for you all. I’m here to make sure that the wing commander understands the concerns of the enlisted force. I’m in a position where I have the wing commander’s ear and can affect some changes by using my voice to voice your concerns. It really is an honor and privilege to be in this position. Not only to be in this position but to serve the Airmen,” said Bartlett.
Bartlett continued.
“It is not about me,” said Bartlett. “It is totally about the Airmen that get the mission done each day. That’s the approach that I have every day that I am in this position and I look forward to doing it.”