Niagara’s top enlisted selected as 22nd AF Command Chief

NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. -- 914th Airlift Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Steven M. Larwood was named the new Command Chief Master Sergeant of the 22nd Air Force, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga. 

Chief Larwood succeeds Chief Master Sgt. James R. Fields who has been the Command Chief for the 22nd since 2006. 

"Chief Master Sgt. Larwood's selection was not a surprise to me," said Col. Allan L. Swartzmiller, 914th Airlift Wing Commander. "Before I arrived here to my new assignment, the Command Chief at Minneapolis told me what a great person and excellent Command Chief Steve Larwood is. It took only a few moments after meeting him to confirm that endorsement. Having Chief Larwood at 22nd Air Force will be a great opportunity for him and benefit all of us in the 22nd."

As Command Chief of 22nd Air Force, Chief Larwood will advise Maj. Gen. James Rubeor, 22nd Air Force Commander, on matters influencing the morale and welfare of the enlisted reservists of the 22nd. 

"It is certainly an honor to have been selected for this wonderful opportunity to lead the men and women of the 22nd Air Force," said Chief Larwood. "Nobody makes it to this level alone and I am no exception. I have a loving and supportive family and here at Niagara I am surrounded by the most talented and dedicated group of professionals I have ever worked with. In my position as Command Chief of the 914th I have had the pleasure of serving three outstanding wing commanders who have shared their knowledge, vision and experience which has prepared me well for my new assignment."

The professional development of our Airmen and their quality of life are of paramount importance to Chief Larwood. 

"I strive to ensure that every Airman that has prepared themselves receives the opportunity to contribute to our mission and meet their personal goals," said Chief Larwood. "I am constantly mindful of the fact that our Airmen are volunteers and that if we as leaders don't do everything in our power to make the Air Force Reserve a place where they belong, they won't be with us down the road." 

Communication is crucial to Chief Larwood and his belief that our senior NCOs need to be given the responsibility of their positions and the information that goes along with it. 

"He has brought the first sergeant's group together to form a cohesive group and has made them the right hands of the squadron commanders," said Col. Patricia A. Jarmuz, commander of the 914th Aeromedical Staging Squadron. "He is very big on communicating and getting to know all the units on base." 

Chief Larwood began his career at Griffiss Air Force Base, N.Y. in 1983 where he was a security police fire team member with the 416th Security Police Squadron. During his career, he was a Distinguished Honor Graduate from recruiting school, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas and the First Sergeant Academy, Robins Air Force Base, Ga. 

During Operation Iraqi Freedom he served as the First Sergeant for the Operations and Maintenance Squadron at several bases in Southwest Asia. 

Chief Larwood has served as the 914th Airlift Wing Command Chief Master Sergeant since 2006.