Chapin takes helm as 655th command chief

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio — Building connections among Airmen and better understanding their missions are priorities for Chief Master Sgt. Zachary A. Chapin, who assumed responsibility as command chief of the 655th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing during a ceremony Sept. 12, 2026, at the Wright-Patterson Club Ballroom.
“I really want to build a community of connectedness,” Chapin said. “connected, ready warriors.”
Chapin officially began his assignment Aug. 20 and attended his first unit training assembly with the wing in September. He previously served as senior enlisted leader of the 913th Airlift Group at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. Between assignments, he completed a tour as senior enlisted leader of the 821st Space Base Group in Greenland.
Since arriving, Chapin said he has been impressed by the wing’s readiness and its Airmen’s ability to respond on short notice.
“It gets me fired up to know that we have patriotic warriors who embody service before self,” he said.
As command chief, Chapin serves as the wing commander’s principal enlisted advisor on readiness, training, professional development and matters affecting Airmen’s welfare. For Chapin, carrying out those responsibilities begins with understanding the people and missions he represents.
Coming from a maintenance, safety, and inspections background he said his first priorities include learning more about the missions of the 655 ISRW, it’s weapon systems and how Airmen contribute to the mission.
“When I take a seat at the table, people expect me to understand the challenges of the organization and the successes of them, and I need to be able to advocate strongly for our Airmen,” Chapin said.
He also hopes to strengthen connections among geographically separated units through professional development councils and opportunities that bring squadrons together at their installations.
The goal draws on his own experience as a reservist.
“I remember my own career when I first felt that sense of connection within an organization and how exciting UTAs became from there,” Chapin said.
Chapin entered the Air Force in August 2004 and has served his entire career in the Air Force Reserve, as both a traditional reservist and an Air Reserve Technician. His background includes aerospace ground equipment, propulsion flight leadership, occupational safety and wing inspections. He was promoted to chief master sergeant in 2022 through the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program.
Now, as command chief of a wing spanning two groups and 15 squadrons across seven states, Chapin said he is focused on listening to Airmen and representing their needs.
“I couldn’t be more excited to serve them, to understand what they need, and to be out there advocating how to continue to make this a great place to serve,” he said.

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.