Frank selected Command Chief of Iowa Air Guard's 185th Air Refueling Wing

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot
  • 185 ARW Public Affairs
Chief Master Sgt. Phil Frank assumed responsibility as the 6th Command Chief of the 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City, Iowa, during a ceremony held here on February 7, 2015.

Frank takes over from long-time unit member, Command Chief Master Sgt. Dave Miller, who is retiring after 39 years of service.

As the Command Chief, Frank will serve as the senior enlisted representative to the Wing Commander and will advise the commander and staff on matters concerning health, welfare, and morale, as well as effective employment of the units 756 enlisted members.

Frank will also serve as a representative for the commander and the enlisted force on various committees, councils and boards.

"He has demonstrated the qualities that our unit needs to continue to improve and establish programs to lead the enlisted ranks into future missions," said Col. Lawrence Christensen, commander of the 185thAir Refueling Wing.

Entering the Air Force in 1986, Frank was trained as an In-flight Refueling Specialist on the KC-135 Stratotanker and during his tenure he has worked as an instructor and evaluator for KC-135 crews.

When he enlisted with the Iowa Air National Guard in 2005, the unit was transitioning from flying the F-16 Fighter Aircraft to the KC-135 Stratotanker and Frank was able to apply his expertise as a seasoned mid-air refueling specialist to help the unit with new mission.

As a veteran air crew member he has logged more than 7,000 flying hours in the various models of the KC-135 and has over 400 combat flying hours supporting operations like Desert Storm and missions in both Iraqi and Afghanistan.

Before assuming the position of Command Chief, Frank was the In-flight Refueling Operations Chief with the 185th.

Frank says the main thing he encourages all airmen to do is to stay engaged with leadership and take personal responsibility.

"As an Airman you need to be technically proficient, as an NCO (non-commissioned officer) you need to develop your Airman, and as a senior NCO you need to set everyone up for success," said Frank. 

"Give airman the tools and training to do the job" he added, when referring to being an effective leader.

Frank will be employed full time in the Command Chief position and said his main areas of concern will be to build a robust enlisted evaluation program and assist the Commander with the new Air Force Inspection System.

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