Team Nellis-Creech welcomes newest chiefs Published Jan. 29, 2009 By Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Trahan 99th Ground Combat Training Squadron NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Eight out of 11 senior non-commissioned officers were recognized as the newest chief master sergeants at the Chief's Recognition ceremony held Jan. 23 at the Officers' Club. The Chief's Recognition Ceremony, held annually, dates back to the 1980's and was previously called the Chief's Induction Ceremony until the name change in 2005, according to Chief Master Sgt. Charles Stuart, 57th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron's president of the chief's group. "We always look forward to welcoming our new chiefs into the Nellis and Creech Chief's Group," Chief Stuart said. The event included the time-honored traditions of a procession under crossed swords, a special candle-lighting ceremony and a medallion presentation to each new chief by Maj. Gen. Stephen Hoog, the United States Air Force Warfare Center commander. Chief Master Sergeant Jeffrey Williams, the United States Air Force Warfare Center command chief, was the guest speaker for the event. According to the Air Force Personnel Center, only one percent of the enlisted force structure serves as chief master sergeants in the Air Force. "The Chief's Recognition Ceremony is very special; it is a celebration of those who achieve the rank of chief master sergeant, which is congressionally restrained to one percent of the total enlisted force," Chief Stuart said. "These new chiefs fully recognize they are here not only due to their hard work and accomplishments but also due to many superiors, peers, subordinates and the family members who have supported and enabled them to reach this important pinnacle in their career. The Recognition Ceremony is a celebration and an evening we all hope they will always remember."
