JUNE 21, 2002

By Senior Master Sgt. Darla J. Ernst
Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs

HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii -- Chief Master Sgt. David W. Popp has been selected as the next command chief for Pacific Air Forces. Popp is currently command chief for 16th Air Force, Aviano Air Base, Italy, but is no stranger to the Pacific. He previously served in Korea and Japan.

He will replace Chief Master Sgt. Gerald R. Murray, who will become the chief master sergeant of the Air Force July 1.

Gen. William J. Begert, PACAF commander, made the selection June 11. “Chief Master Sergeant Popp will be a great addition to the PACAF team,” Begert said. “From his extensive wing-level maintenance background to his MAJCOM and Numbered Air Force experience, I am confident that he will provide leadership that will serve us well. I am looking forward to getting him back into PACAF and working closely with him in the years ahead.”

The chief entered the Air Force in July 1979 and graduated from the Aerospace Ground Equipment Repairman Course in January 1980. His assignments in the AGE career field included Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.; England AFB, La.; Kunsan Air Base, South Korea; Eaker AFB, Ark.; and Kadena Air Base, Japan. He also served as the superintendent, Policy and Process Division, Headquarters Air Mobility Command Inspector General’s Office at Scott AFB, Ill. Prior to his current position as 16th AF command chief, he was the command chief at the 305th Air Mobility Wing, McGuire AFB, N.J., and at the 86th Airlift Wing, Ramstein AB, Germany.

Popp said he’s honored to be asked to join the PACAF team. “I know first hand that the mission in PACAF is demanding and extremely critical,” he said. “I’m looking forward to serving again with the men and women of this great command.”

The chief will assume his new duties July 15.

Pacific Air Forces News Service