Chief Master Sgt. David A. Flosi was formally installed as the 20th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force on March 8, taking over the role from retiring Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass. In his remarks after the ceremony, Flosi emphasized the challenges facing the Air Force in a rapidly evolving world with increasing demands, but expressed confidence in the dedication and professionalism of Airmen to rise to the occasion. Flosi’s installation completes a total overhaul of senior military leaders for the Air Force, with Gen. David Allvin as Air Force chief of staff and Gen. Jim Slife as Air Force vice chief of staff.
During the ceremony, Gen. Allvin welcomed Flosi and highlighted the need for agile and determined leadership in dynamic environments, emphasizing the importance of reoptimization to enhance readiness and mold the Air Force into a more effective force. Department of the Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall also offered praise for Bass and provided guidance for Flosi, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the needs of Airmen and their families. Both Kendall and Gen. Brown praised Bass for her leadership and dedication, with Brown acknowledging her as an inspiration for breaking barriers as the first woman to serve as a Service senior enlisted advisor in the U.S. military.
Flosi steps into the role previously held by Bass, who set a high standard for subsequent Chiefs to follow. Bass highlighted her 31-year career during the ceremony, thanking those who supported her along the way and expressing gratitude to Gen. Brown for selecting her as Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. Flosi’s new position, similar to his previous role at Air Force Materiel Command, places him as the senior enlisted leader and primary advisor on readiness, training, and professional development for the Air Force’s total force Airmen. Like his predecessors, Flosi pledged to work alongside Airmen to help them thrive and succeed in the face of challenges.
Flosi’s commitment to the Air Force and its personnel is unwavering as he navigates the complexities of great power competition and seeks to optimize the force. With a career that began in 1996 as a nuclear weapons specialist, Flosi has gained experience in various leadership roles in conventional and nuclear munitions, missile operations, program management, and contingency operations. As the public face for Air Force personnel, Flosi will serve as a personal advisor to senior leaders, providing insight on issues related to the welfare, readiness, morale, and proper utilization of the Air Force’s Airmen. Chosen from a group of highly respected and experienced command chief master sergeants, Flosi’s selection was based on his performance and recommendations from senior commanders across the Air Force.
