Chief Chasteen: 32 years of military service

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Randall Moose
  • 301st Fighter Wing public affairs

After 32 years of service, Chief Master Sgt. Tommy Chasteen, 73d Aerial Port Squadron chief enlisted manager, completed his military journey during his retirement ceremony here on February 6, 2021. Col. Gavin Tade, 10th Air Force Standardization and Evaluation Division chief, presided over the ceremony.

 

“What is with this Chasteen guy? Texas Tommy, the big guy who looks like a football player,” Tade said. “The guy who looks like a chief, acts like a chief, walks like a chief. This guy is a chief.” 

 

Chasteen joined the Army Reserve in 1988, where he served seven years working with UHH Huey helicopters. There, he was responsible for performing pre-flight inspections, routine maintenance, phase inspections, and monitoring on-board mechanical functions.

 

In 1996, he enlisted into the Air Force Reserve, joining the 301st Fighter Wing family as a ‘Port Dawg’ with the 73d APS. He worked in various roles including section chief, the chief enlisted manager, and the 73d APS superintendent of operations. 

 

Chasteen was responsible more than 125 Airmen and ensured their training, effectiveness, and their health. He advised the squadron commander on training requirements as well as their squadron deployment capability.

 

Chasteen has deployed six times, supporting operations IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM, and INHERENT RESOLVE.  

 

“884 days…. [that’s] two years, five months, and four days this man protected and defended the Constitution of the United States and served his country honorably,” Tade said. “This man is an Airman, a warrior, and my chief.”

 

“During my time with the 73d APS, Chief Chasteen exemplified what it meant to be a Reserve Citizen Airman,” said Chief Master Sgt. Landon Bonds, 73d APS aerial port manager. “He deployed multiple times and demonstrated leadership that all Airmen, Active Duty and Reserve, respected. Although his dedication to duty will be missed, I wish him all the best in his retirement.” 

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