Hotaling named next Air National Guard Command Chief

by CONR - 1 AF/AFNORTH
Office of Public Affairs

1/8/2013 - TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla.  -- Chief Master Sgt. James Hotaling from the Continental U.S. NORAD Region-1st Air Force here was named as the Air National Guard's next command chief today.

As ANG command chief, Hotaling will serve as the senior advisor to Lt. Gen. Sid Clarke, the incoming director of the Air National Guard, on matters concerning the readiness, morale, welfare, proper use and progress of more than 90,000 enlisted Airmen.

Hotaling succeeds Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Muncy, who retired in September after serving almost four years as the Air National Guard's command chief.

"This is a bittersweet moment for my family and I," said Hotaling. "On one hand I am excited to be moving on to bigger challenges serving our Air National Guard, but on the other I will miss the camaraderie and friendships I have established during my short time here at First Air Force."

Hotaling will be the Air Guard's 11th command chief. Prior to July 1998, the title was "senior enlisted advisor."

Hotaling currently serves as command chief for the Continental U.S. NORAD Region-1st Air Force (Air Forces Northern). He previously spent nearly 24 years in various Air Force Special Tactics and leadership positions. He also serves as a member of the Air Guard's Enlisted Field Advisory Council and the Combat Control Association.

Hotaling is a native of North Carolina where he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1987 and joined the Oregon Air National Guard in 2003.