JoAnne S. Bass

JoAnne S. Bass is a senior non-commissioned officer in the United States Air Force, serving as the 19th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. Appointed by Chief of Staff General Charles Q. Brown Jr., she assumed the position on August 14, 2020, becoming the first woman to serve as the highest-ranking enlisted member in any branch of the United States Armed Forces. In this role, she is the principal advisor to the Secretary of the Air Force and the Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force on matters concerning the welfare, readiness, and proper utilization of the Air Force and Space Force enlisted force.

Early life and education

JoAnne S. Bass was born on January 30, 1969, in San Antonio, Texas. She grew up in a military family, with her father having served in the United States Army. She attended University of Maryland Global Campus, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in University of Maryland University College. She later completed a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix and is also a graduate of several senior non-commissioned officer professional military education programs, including the Chief Master Sergeant Leadership Course and the Keystone course at the National Defense University.

Military career

Bass entered the United States Air Force in September 1993. Her early career included assignments as an instructor and evaluator for aircrew flight equipment. She has held numerous leadership positions at the squadron, group, wing, and major command levels, including serving as the Command Chief Master Sergeant for the Second Air Force at Keesler Air Force Base and for the Air Education and Training Command at Joint Base San Antonio. Her operational assignments include deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq. Prior to her current role, she served as the Command Chief Master Sergeant of the Pacific Air Forces at Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam.

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force

Upon her historic appointment in 2020, Bass became the senior enlisted leader of the United States Air Force and United States Space Force. Her tenure has focused on key priorities including "Airmen and Guardians, Readiness, and Continuous Improvement." She has been a vocal advocate for modernizing professional military education, strengthening resilience and mental health resources, and fostering a more inclusive culture within the Department of the Air Force. She advises the Secretary of the Air Force, Frank Kendall III, and the Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, General David W. Allvin, on issues affecting over 600,000 active duty, Guard, Reserve, and civilian personnel.

Awards and decorations

Chief Master Sergeant Bass's personal awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and three awards of the Meritorious Service Medal. She has also received the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal, and numerous campaign and service medals for her deployments and long service. She is authorized to wear the Air Force Overseas Ribbon – Long Tour, the Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold border, and the NATO Medal for service with the International Security Assistance Force.

Personal life

Bass is married to Chief Master Sergeant (Ret.) Rian Bass, a former United States Air Force flight engineer. The couple has two children. In her personal time, she is an advocate for mentorship and leadership development, often speaking on these topics. She maintains a focus on family and is known to enjoy outdoor activities.

Category:United States Air Force senior enlisted advisors Category:Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force Category:1969 births Category:Living people Category:People from San Antonio Category:United States Air Force personnel of the Iraq War Category:United States Air Force personnel of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)