Air Force Chief Master Sgt. JoAnne Bass became the first woman to be the top enlisted member of a U.S. service branch when she was promoted Friday.
“She is a proven leader who has performed with distinction at every step of her accomplished career. I have no doubt that Chief Bass will provide wise counsel as we pursue and implement initiatives to develop and empower airmen at all levels,” said incoming Air Force chief of staff Gen. Charles Brown Jr.
“I’m honored and humbled to be selected as the 19th chief master sergeant of the Air Force and follow in the footsteps of some of the best leaders our Air Force has ever known,” Bass said. “The history of the moment isn’t lost on me; I’m just ready to get after it. And I’m extremely grateful for and proud of my family and friends who helped me along the way.”
Brown made history last week when the Senate confirmed him as the next chief of staff of the Air Force, making him the first African American to be the head of a service branch.
Bass currently serves as the command chief master sergeant for the Second Air Force at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi.
