Hill AFB hosts 2026 AFMC Chief Orientation and offsite

  • Published
  • By Richard Essary
  • 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  To provide newly selected chief master sergeants with a strategic foundation in the AFMC mission, Air Force Materiel Command hosted its 2026 Chief Orientation Course and concurrent Command Chief and Senior Enlisted Airman Offsite Aug. 17-20 here.

The four-day event brought together 37 newly selected and promoted chief master sergeants representing all six AFMC centers, 15 installations, and Airmen serving in support of U.S. Space Force operations.

Guided by Chief Master Sgt. James “Bill” E. Fitch II, AFMC command chief, the six center command chiefs, and the AFMC command first sergeant, the orientation established a forum for new chiefs to review enterprise priorities, share perspectives, and build cross-command partnerships.

“The 2026 AFMC Chief Orientation Course provides newly selected chief master sergeants with a strategic foundation in the AFMC mission, equipping them with the leadership insights necessary to lead at the top 1% of the Air Force enlisted force,” Fitch said. “Gathering these leaders is vital to align senior enlisted advocacy with MAJCOM priorities, ensuring consistent leadership, mission readiness, and policy execution across all installations.”

At the same time, the offsite brought together AFMC’s most senior enlisted leaders to analyze ongoing mission initiatives at Hill AFB and collaborate on critical Air Force policies directly impacting enlisted personnel across the command.

During the first two days of the course, attendees engaged in classroom seminars covering emotional intelligence, artificial intelligence integration, and leading through adversity.

Participants also received strategic perspectives from guest speakers across the Air Force, including a virtual keynote address from retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi, the 20th CMSAF and former AFMC command chief, as well as presentations from Command Chief Master Sgts. Chad Bickley (Air Education and Training Command), Keith Scott (Air Force Personnel Center), and Jeffery Martin (Headquarters Air Force A5/7).

The second half of the event shifted from the classroom to visiting the base’s operational and depot maintenance facilities.

The group toured multiple Hill AFB mission elements, including the Ogden Air Logistics Complex, the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings, the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Systems Directorate, and the 729th Air Control Squadron.

These site visits and leadership panels provided attendees a tangible look at how research, development, acquisition, test, and sustainment directly underpin combat readiness and the joint fight.

For command leadership, the true value of the week extended beyond briefings and facility tours to the enduring professional networks established among peers.

“The key takeaway should be the strategic power of connection and collaboration,” Fitch said. “As highly experienced leaders, chief master sergeants must return to their home stations ready to leverage strong professional networks and build meaningful relationships.

“These connections are the foundation for supporting our Airmen, breaking down organizational barriers, and driving mission success,” he added.