U.S. Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sgt. Maurice L. Williams visited the 137th Special Operations Wing (SOW) at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma City, Feb. 5, 2023.

Williams holds the highest level of enlisted leadership for the ANG and has been traveling to wings to ensure changes to the strategic outlook of the guard are being communicated to the lowest level. This marked his 60th base visit. 

After meeting with Col. Christopher D. Gries, 137th SOW commander, and other command team members, Williams emphasized the necessity of building culture to improve retention.

“I think it is great that the commander has a priority of culture and connection. We’ve got to be connected,” Williams expressed.

Williams called on Airmen to both find a mentor and actively mentor others.

“How are you being the best version of you to give back to someone else?” Williams asked during an enlisted town hall. “We all have to do this thing together.”

Furthermore, Williams stressed taking initiative to understand the country’s adversaries as outlined in the 2022 National Defense Strategy and how they seek to disseminate misinformation.

“If you don’t understand the adversary in a competition, how can you think in a way to have purpose and understand ‘the why’ in the things that we do?” Williams questioned.

In addition to Williams' visit, U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Aaron Dent, command first sergeant of the ANG, visited the 137th SOW First Sergeant Council to discuss how they fit into the development of the current and future leaders of the ANG. 

The two chiefs aim for Airmen to use knowledge from the visit to become stronger leaders and further the capabilities of the ANG.

“This is one of the best parts of this job, to get out, see Airmen and talk to Airmen,” Williams said. “But also to tell you what we’re doing at the national level that affects you, so you understand ‘the why’ behind it.”