Air Force's top enlisted Airman to retire

Published Feb. 27, 2009

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The Air Force chief of staff announced the pending retirement of the 15th chief master sergeant of the Air Force Feb. 26 here.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley will retire this summer after serving for 30 years.

Chief McKinley has served as the chief master sergeant of the Air Force since June 30, 2006.

"Chief McKinley is an incomparable leader and an exemplary Airman," Gen. Norton Schwartz said. "He has devoted his entire adult life to our Air Force and to taking care of Airmen and their families. Chief McKinley has accomplished so much throughout his career, but as chief master sergeant of the Air Force he has made monumental contributions."

"I will always be an Airman," Chief McKinley said. "This time as chief master sergeant of the Air Force has been especially humbling for me. Everywhere I travel around the globe, I see Airmen and their families sacrificing, striving and fighting for our Air Force, our great nation and its ideals.

"We've been involved in a momentous struggle against agents of terrorism," the chief said. "We have never faltered in our duty and every day we stamp out the wanton destruction terrorists would like to bring to our nation and our allies. It's been an honor and privilege for me to serve alongside the Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who I am confident history will regard as some of the greatest warriors of all time."

A formal retirement ceremony for Chief McKinley and appointment for the 16th chief master sergeant of the Air Force is planned for June 30. The Air Force chief of staff selects the individual to fill the position of chief master sergeant of the Air Force.