Moody AFB chief to become next Airey NCOA commandant

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Brigitte N. Brantley
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Pritchard, 23rd Security Forces Squadron security forces manager, is set to become the next Paul W. Airey NCO Academy commandant in a ceremony scheduled for Dec. 16.

The change of leadership ceremony will leave the chief in charge of making sure students at the Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., school are prepared to take on what the Air Force requires of enlisted leaders.

"Filling a commandant position is one of those points you try to reach in your life and it's amazing to be selected," said Pritchard, who has been at Moody since 2005. "I can bring the expertise of my joint service background and discipline of security forces to the position."

Before being assigned to the 23rd SFS, Pritchard was with the 820th Base Defense Group, a Moody unit who works with sister services.

"The chief has made a difference with everything, and his 820th experience has helped us as well," said Maj. Justin Secrest, 23rd SFS commander. "He will do great as the academy's commandant. He's a great example and his heart is in it for the NCOs. You can tell he genuinely cares about the troops and their families."

Pritchard notes the main reason he'll miss Moody and how his parents reacted to the news of his selection.

"It feels like I'm leaving a family. I've met some of the most remarkable and talented troops here," he said. "My dad, who is a retired chief, was extremely proud. My parents are absolutely thrilled... they're bringing in friends from other states for the ceremony."

During the ceremony, Pritchard will take over the school from Chief Master Sgt. Malcolm McVicar for a two-year tour.

"The selection process is pretty intense as all candidates meet a board," said McVicar. "They select the best chief for the position. While I am a bit sad leaving the Airey NCOA as I retire after 30 years of service, I know the family here is in great hands with Chief Pritchard taking the reins."