Rendering honors and providing recognition: Change of authority ceremony

July 2009 -- The reigns of authority were passed from Command Chief Master Sgt. Charles Aliff, 180th Fighter Wing, to Chief Master Sgt. Michael Haas, Operations Group Superintendent, June 13, 2009. 

With roughly 60 years of combined military service, both Aliff and Haas have uniquely served in the military bringing a wealth of experience to the 180th FW. Aliff, who began his military service in 1979 served in the United States Air Force in Security Police. His career boasted various duties as a fire team leader, squad leader, flight chief, resource advisor and plans and programs. Prior to becoming the Command Chief in 2006, Aliff served as the Security Forces Squadron's Senior Enlisted Manager. 

"My personal goal when I became the command chief nearly three years ago was to build upon the success of my predecessors and to meet the current needs of the enlisted force," said Aliff. "I feel very strongly that I have achieved that goal as you (members of the 180th FW) have accomplished a great many things during my tenure." 

Haas enlisted in the Air Force in 1981 as a Cryptologic Linguist for the Russian language. Upon being stationed at the 6988th Electronic Security Squadron at RAF Mildenhall, England, he flew on the RC-135/Rivet Joint as a Senior Russian Navy analyst, trainer and evaluator. 

"As the Command Chief, my job is to take care of the enlisted force; all of the enlisted force," said Haas. "I need to ensure you have the tools and the training you need to do your job and do it well and that you are ready to support local, state, and federal taskings wherever and whenever they occur." 

As the flags were passed between the outgoing Command Chief Master Sergeant, Aliff we welcomed the new Command Chief Master Sergeant, Haas.