Command chief discusses priorities

  • Published
  • By Danny Monahan
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. --  The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center and 377th Air Base Wing command chief has been in the job since May.

Chief Master Sgt. John A. Dougherty said he wants to continue to strengthen the Wing's nuclear enterprise mission, shape resilient Airmen and promote community outreach.

"Strengthening the nuclear enterprise is the wing's No. 1 priority," said the chief. "I immediately noticed how everyone here is committed to that common goal. I am amazed to see everyone has that one intertwined bond and we are seeing that first hand as we perform during our Wing's nuclear surety inspection."

The chief said he is committed to leaving things stronger than he finds them.

"I want to make Airmen stronger. I want to leave them self-sufficient regarding mission success," he said. "As we navigate our expeditionary landscape, the Air Force's overall mission will probably change, but there will always be a steady and constant need for individual deployment training. I want to professionally develop resilient Airmen who can perform any task, even when the mission changes."

The chief said, in addition to strengthening the nuclear enterprise, fostering community service, senior enlisted collaboration and working with Team Kirtland mission partners are his top priorities.

"I believe in volunteerism and community support," he said. "When I arrived here, there was a big push for the Sandia Base Elementary School volunteer program. I've encouraged and asked the Kirtland Top 3 and our Rising Six members to continue to support volunteerism through community outreach programs. Second, we need to have a vibrant collaboration between the Kirtland Chiefs Group, Diamond Council and Top Three, where their visible presence is noticed by Airmen and senior leaders. Lastly, we need to continue to develop and maintain strong relationships with our mission partners, so our Airmen know their senior enlisted leaders have the same priorities."

Dougherty spoke about how his experience as a chief has helped him prepare for his job.

"Working in force support and the military personnel section, which are predominantly run by young Airmen, I have been able to see what their needs are and how I can take care of them," he said. "If you can help an Airman with a specific need, whether small or large, it adds to your credibility as a leader. I believe we should always be seeking the way to a 'yes' answer to help our fellow Airmen. My four years as chief has helped me understand the cultures and needs of today's Airmen. We need to boldly find ways to make things happen."

Dougherty said returning to the base where he served from 1985 to 1989 feels great.
"It is incredible to be back here at Team Kirtland. When I had an opportunity to interview for this job I was very excited," said Dougherty. "I can't believe I get to wake up each morning and be the command chief master sergeant where I started my career."