22nd AF welcomes new command chief

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

Chief Larwood will succeed Chief Master Sergeant James R. Fields who has been the Command Chief for the 22nd 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 22nd AF command chief, Chief Larwood will advise Maj. Gen. James Rubeor, 22nd AF commander, on matters influencing the morale and welfare the enlisted reservists of the 22nd. 

"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 continued. "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 at Griffiss Air Force Base Rome, N.Y., in 1983 where 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 Air Force Base, Texas, and the First Sergeant Academy, Robins Air Force Base, Ga. 

During Operation Iraqi Freedom he served as the First Sergeant for the Operations and Maintenance Squadron at several bases in Southwest Asia. Chief Larwood has served as the 914th Airlift Wing Command Chief since 2006.