Kirtland chiefs selected for leadership roles

  • Published
  • By Kendahl Johnson
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Two Kirtland chief master sergeants were selected to serve as command chiefs.

Chief David Kelch, 377th Security Forces Squadron manager, was selected to be command chief in the 374th Airlift Wing at Yokota Air Base, Japan.

"My family and I are very excited for the opportunity to serve Airman in the capacity of command chief," Kelch said. "When I entered the Air Force, I never imagined having a great opportunity like this, and I can't think of a better place to go do it than Japan. I look forward to working with the Airmen over there."

The 374th Airlift Wing supports airlift missions throughout East Asia. The wing manages a fleet of aircraft in support of that region, including C-130s, C-12 and UH-1N.

Kelch will serve as principal adviser to the wing commander in leading more than 6,300 military, civilian and local national employees providing tactical, operational support and distinguished visitor airlift throughout Japan and the Pacific Command theater of operation while serving base community or more than 11,000 people. He will advise on matters of military readiness, morale, quality of life, professional development and effective utilization of more than 2,500 enlisted members.

Also selected was Chief Master Sgt. Richard Vargas, 377th Mission Support Group superintendent. He was picked to be command chief of the 688th Cyberspace Wing at Joint Base San Antonio - Lackland, Texas.

The 688th CW, formerly the Air Force Information Operations Center, delivers information operations and engineering infrastructure capabilities across air, space, and cyberspace. The wing boasts two groups, the 38th Cyberspace Engineering Installation Group and the 318th Cyberspace Operations Group, encompassing 1,388 military and civilian members, assigned to seven locations worldwide. In addition, more than 1,900 Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve personnel directly support the 688th CW mission.