New command chief takes helm at 22nd AF

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Joe Simms
  • 22nd Air Force Public Affairs
DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. --  Chief Master Sergeant Steven M. Larwood of the 914th Air Wing Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, N.Y., was recently named the new Command Chief Master Sergeant of the 22nd Air Force, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga.

Chief Larwood succeeds Chief Master Sergeant James R. Fields who has been the Command Chief for the 22nd AF since 2006.

"It is certainly an honor to have been selected for this wonderful opportunity to lead the men and women of the 22nd Air Force," Chief Larwood said. "Nobody makes it to this level alone and I am no exception. I have a loving and supportive family and here at Niagara I am surrounded by the most talented and dedicated group of professionals I have ever worked with"

As command chief for 22nd Air Force, Chief Larwood will advise Maj. Gen. James Rubeor, 22nd AF commander, on matters influencing the morale and welfare the enlisted reservists of the 22nd AF.

"The professional development of our airmen and their quality of life are of paramount importance to me," he said. "I am constantly mindful of the fact that our airmen are volunteers. If we as leaders don't do everything in our power to make the Air Force Reserve a place where they belong, they won't be with us down the road."

Chief Larwood believes it is the responsibility of each reservist to work towards self improvement and give those around you the opportunity to grow and advance.

"Regardless of the position you are in, you should always be prepared for the next step and training your replacements," he said. "We have proven that together we make an unbeatable team, where excellence is the only acceptable outcome. I look forward to visiting all the bases throughout 22nd Air Force and meeting more of your outstanding airmen."

Chief Larwood began his career in 1983 at former Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, N.Y., were he was a security police fire team member with the 416th Security Police Squadron. During his career, he was a Distinguished Honor Graduate from recruiting school, Lackland AFB, Texas and the First Sergeant Academy, Robins AFB, Ga.

During Operation Iraqi Freedom, Chief Larwood served as the first sergeant for both the Operations and Maintenance Squadrons at several bases in Southwest Asia. Chief Larwood served as the 914th AW command chief since 2006. 

Stay with www.302aw.afrc.af.mil for the latest news and information.