Seventh Air Force welcomes new command chief Published Feb. 2, 2012 By Maj Eric Badger 7th Air Force Public Affairs OSAN AIR BASE, Korea -- The 7th Air Force welcomed its new command chief when Chief Master Sgt. Harold L. Hutchison recently arrived at Osan Air Base. Hutchison's last assignment was with the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, where he also served as command chief. Lt Gen Jan-Marc Jouas, 7th Air Force commander, is pleased to welcome the new command chief. "We look forward to Chief Hutchison's leadership and experience," the general said. "He will be a great asset to the 7th Air Force team, ensuring our Airmen and their families are mission ready." As the new 7th Air Force command chief, Hutchison serves as the principle senior enlisted advisor to the commander on the morale, welfare, training, mission readiness and effective utilization of the commands more than 9,000 combat-ready personnel assigned to two wings, five collocated operating bases and 19 geographically-separated operating locations. He ensures the combat readiness of the command through sound policies, practices and training. "My main focus is mission success while caring for our Airman's mental, physical, social and spiritual health," said Hutchison. In addition, Hutchison stresses the importance of professional development and the courage to "do the right thing" especially when the "right thing" is not popular. "I love people," he said. "The only problem with love is it is misunderstood. Love is not giving people what they want but what they need. If you care about someone, you will do what is best for them. This is true with our Airmen, I am committed to doing what is best for them whether they understand it or not. My biggest challenge will be helping them understand what is best." Hutchison's vision for the 7th Air Force includes helping the enlisted corps understand their mission and removing any obstacles that may be preventing mission success. "I am here to help establish effective policy and procedures for our Seventh Air Force Warriors, clarify the Commanders intent and identify the obstacles and hindrances that prevent our Airmen from accomplishing the mission," he said. Furthermore, he seeks to enhance the morale and readiness of the 7th Air Force enlisted force by going back to the basics--face to face communication. "I want to get out there and communicate face to face with the men and women of Seventh Air Force," said Hutchison. "I want to be more than just 'a picture on the wall'. My job is to extend Lt Gen Jouas' impact and reach by getting out among your organizations to hear about your Airmen's successes, challenges and frustrations." Hutchison encourages enlisted personnel to be proactive and subject matter experts in the ways of upholding and enforcing standards among their peers. "I expect you to be good wingmen," he said. "If you see someone struggling, go to them and help them." Hutchison entered the United States Air Force in December 1985. His background includes various duties in security forces at wing, major command and joint command levels. He served as a superintendent of an operations group before becoming a command chief master sergeant at the wing, air expeditionary wing, and numbered air force level. Hutchison has deployed numerous times supporting various missions throughout the Middle East. "I'm honored to join this proud and powerful joint, combined team," said Hutchison. "There is no doubt our Airmen are prepared, trained and 'ready to fight tonight', if necessary."