Bass Makes History as First Asian American Female to Assume Air Force Post

General Charles Q. Brown Jr., who will take over as Chief of Staff of the Air Force this summer, has tapped Chief Master Sgt. JoAnne Bass to become the 19th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. She is the first female enlisted Airman to lead one of the U.S. armed forces.

bassSgt. JoAnne Bass

Brown and Bass are making history in the leadership of the Air Force. Bass is also the first Asian American to serve as the highest-ranking non-commissioned member of a U.S. military service as well.

“I’m honored and humbled to be selected as the 19th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, and follow in the footsteps of some of the best leaders our Air Force has ever known,” Bass said. “The history of the moment isn’t lost on me; I’m just ready to get after it. And I’m extremely grateful for and proud of my family and friends who helped me along the way.”

Brown said Bass brings the right skills, temperament, and experience to the job, plus “an outlook on leadership that meshes with his own.”

“She has unique skills that will help us both lead the Total Force and live up to the high expectations of our Airmen,” he said. “She is a proven leader who has performed with distinction at every step of her accomplished career. I have no doubt that Chief Bass will provide wise counsel as we pursue and implement initiatives to develop and empower Airmen at all levels.”

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