David R. Wolfe
David R. Wolfe | |
|---|---|
Wolfe in 2026 | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Service years | 1992–present |
| Rank | Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force |
| Conflicts | War in Afghanistan Iraq War |
| Awards | Legion of Merit (4) Meritorious Service Medal (6) |
| Alma mater | Wayland Baptist University University of Charleston Virginia Tech |
David R. Wolfe is a senior noncommissioned officer in the United States Air Force, who has served as the 21st Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force since December 8, 2025.[1][2] Wolfe has served in the U.S. Air Force since enlisting in 1992, serving mainly as a Security Forces Airman,[3] which is the U.S. Air Force version of military police.[4] He succeeded Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David A. Flosi, who announced his retirement in September 2025 due to the death of his wife.[5]
Wolfe served in a number of joint assignments with other U.S. military services. He deployed in support of Operations Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, and Inherent Resolve.[6]
Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force
Wolfe sees China as the most important threat to the United States currently.[2]
In February 2026, Wolfe testified to the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee stating that airmen's quality of life including childcare and housing is a national security and readiness issue.[7]
Controversies
On January 30, 2026 CMSAF Wolfe and the USAF Chief of Staff issued a memo instructing Air Force Security personnel manning the base gates to use, “Professional greetings—at installation entry control points and throughout interactions with the public."[8] This quickly opened up the airmen to ridicule with both airmen and civilians saying that the greetings were unneeded and "dumb."[9]
Education
Wolfe was the distinguished graduate of the Airman Leadership School in Aviano, Italy in 1997.[10] He completed his associates of police science from the Community College of the Air Force in 1999,[1] a bachelor of science in criminal justice from Wayland Baptist University in 2004, a masters of strategic leadership from University of Charleston in 2018 and a second masters of political science from Virginia Tech in 2020.
Assignments and achievements
CMSAF Wolfe[1][10] joined the Air Force in 1992 attending Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base. He became a Security Forces Airman and was stationed at Warren AFB, King Abdul Aziz Air Base, Ramstein AB, Naples, Italy, Clear Air Force Station, and Elmendorf AFB. As a Noncommissioned Officer, he would be the 11th Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year in 2008. He would continue to be promoted, rising to Command Chief Master Sergeant, 3rd Wing in 2016 and Senior Enlisted Leader, Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and Alaskan Command in 2018 among other assignments.
Awards and decorations
| Air Force Master Force Protection Badge | |
| Headquarters Air Force Badge |
Personal life
Wolfe is married to Dr. Doniel Wolfe,[6] and has one daughter and grandchildren.[12] He is the son of Army Air Corps and U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Thomas R. Wolfe,[13] a combat photographer with the 6th Photographic Technical Squadron, who documented the aftermath of the atomic bomb tests as well as photographs in both Hiroshima and Nagasaki after the bombings.[14]
References
- ^ a b c "Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force DAVID R. WOLFE". US Air Force. December 8, 2025. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
- ^ a b Gordon, Chris (2025-11-06). "Former ACC Command Chief Wolfe Tapped as New CMSAF". Air & Space Forces Magazine. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
- ^ "Wolfe selected as Air Force's top enlisted leader". Stars and Stripes. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
- ^ Schogol, Jeff (2025-11-06). "Air Force's new top enlisted leader had long career in security forces". Task & Purpose. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
- ^ Fletcher, Zita (2025-11-07). "Wolfe tapped as Air Force's new top enlisted leader". Air Force Times. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
- ^ a b "The Quiet Professional: Chief Wolfe's Journey of Service and Leadership". Air Combat Command. Archived from the original on 2025-08-27. Retrieved 2025-12-19.
- ^ "Air Force, Space Force senior enlisted advisors emphasize quality of life's importance in national defense". US Space Force. February 12, 2026.
- ^ Cox, Matthew (2026-02-04). "Air Force Leaders Instruct Security Forces on Professional Greeting". Air & Space Forces Magazine. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
- ^ Baker, Kelsey. "Troops are mocking Air Force gate guards over a new rule: 'You sound like a Walmart greeter'". Business Insider. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
- ^ a b "Wayback Machine" (PDF). www.pacaf.af.mil. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2025-03-10. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
{{cite web}}: Cite uses generic title (help) - ^ "Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Joanne S. Bass". United States Air Force. 14 August 2020. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
- ^ Stassis, Cristina (2025-12-08). "Wolfe sworn in as Air Force's top enlisted leader". Air Force Times. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
- ^ James, Staff Sgt. Emmeline (December 9, 2025). "Wolfe assumes role as 21st CMSAF". Royal Air Force Mildenhall.
- ^ Schogol, Jeff (2026-02-03). "Top enlisted leader in the Air Force explains why he wears his father's service pin". Task & Purpose. Retrieved 2026-02-05.