Behind the rank: Command Chief Master Sergeant William "DJ" Jones

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Robert J. Volio
  • 30th Space Wing Public Affairs
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Residing in a significant leadership position can be a time-consuming role. Chief Master Sgt. William "DJ" Jones, 30th Space Wing command chief, stays consistently busy with meetings, reviewing Enlisted Performance Reports and evaluating administrative packages that affect enlisted members.

Despite his hectic schedule, Jones finds time to spend with Airmen to receive their input about VAFB, as well as the Air Force.

An ideal day for Chief Jones finds him checking in with 30th Security Forces Squadron defenders at the front gate, chatting with area controllers at the Western Range Operations Control Center, and dropping by the 30th Comptroller Squadron to speak with members of the finance team.

During his travels, Jones takes in the opinions and perspectives of many Airmen, no matter their rank, and returns to his office with more ideas than he had yesterday to help shape the future of the base.

As command chief, Jones is responsible for thousands of Vandenberg members, a challenge he accepts with open arms.

"A big aspect of my job is ensuring that base personnel are aware of the wing commander's vision, intent and standards," said Jones. "If I'm anywhere on Vandenberg and someone stops me with an issue about something, I immediately go to work for them."

Jones' inviting leadership style is matched by his enthusiastic personality, as well as his love for the Air Force.

"Chief Jones is such a charismatic person, his personality is almost magnetic and it draws you in," said Tech. Sgt. Casey Splitter, 30th SW command chief executive assistant. "Whether you're a peer, subordinate or a superior I think people can feed off his excitement for the duty and the Air Force.  These attributes certainly carry over for new Airmen, it's important for them to see someone who is truly excited about the mission, and the Air Force. That kind of attitude sets the tone."

Throughout his time at Vandenberg, Jones admits his relationships with his Airmen are among his favorite.

"One of my favorite aspects of Vandenberg is the Airmen," said Jones. "If I have removed obstacles in their path and allowed them to focus on their jobs, then I've been successful."

For Airmen new to the Air Force, the command chief provides some advice on the journey to becoming a future leader.

"I don't think leadership is hereditary," said Jones. "You may have been born to parents who were or weren't leaders, that doesn't mean that you can't become a leader. When given an opportunity to lead, take it. Your supervisor will walk in to request a volunteer to lead up some project that weekend - take it. Get that experience of being a leader, which will allow you to grow and continue to expand."

 

United States Space Force

Official United States Space Force Website