Farewell Chief McKinley

CMSAF Rodney McKinley stepped down from his post as USAF’s top enlisted leader yesterday during a ceremony at Bolling AFB, D.C. McKinley, who is the 15th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, formally will retire from the Air Force later this year after 35 years of service; he became USAF’s top enlisted airmen in June 2006. Taking the top enlisted spot from McKinley yesterday was CMSgt. James Roy, who has been serving as command chief master sergeant for US Pacific Command. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz announced McKinley’s pending retirement in February and identified Roy as McKinley’s successor in May. In a June 26 commentary, CMSgt. Neil McGillicuddy, 89th Communications Squadron flight superintendent at Andrews AFB, Md., says McKinley accomplished much for today’s airmen, including helping to establish the Enlisted Heroes Walk at Lackland AFB, Tex., advocating changes to feedback and performance report forms, championing the airman’s creed and fitness; and providing invaluable leadership during the turnover of the Air Force Secretary and Chief of Staff last year. (Air Force coverage.)