Chief Master Sergeant Eric Engel is the Command Chief of the 419th Fighter Wing, Hill Air Force Base, Utah. He is the highest enlisted leader in the wing and provides direction for the enlisted force, representing their interests across Hill AFB and throughout the local community. He serves as an advisor to the commander on all issues regarding welfare, readiness, and morale of the wings enlisted force. He also provides oversight and guidance to the wings First Sergeants Council, Chiefs Group, and Top Three Association.
Chief Engel entered the United States Air Force in May 2002, and graduated F-16 Avionics System Technology Technical School in September 2003. He has served in numerous roles including Specialist Expediter, Specialist Flight Chief, Production Superintendent, Quality Assurance Superintendent, Aircraft Maintenance Unit Superintendent, and Mission Support Group Senior Enlisted Leader.
He has also deployed in support of many contingencies to include Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan. Most recently, he led 180 Airmen to Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, where they executed the Chief of Staff of the Air Force Agile Airman vision by cross-training six AFSCs into two mission sets, reducing the Area of Responsibilities footprint while supporting Operations Inherent Resolve and Resolute Support.
EDUCATION
2007 Airman Leadership School, in correspondence
2008 NCO Leadership Development Course, Hill AFB, Utah
2009 USAF Noncommissioned Officer Academy, in correspondence
2011 SNCO Leadership Development Course, Hill AFB, Utah
2012 Associate Degree in Avionics System Technology, Community College of the Air Force
2013 Bachelors in Technical Management, Embry Riddle University
2013 USAF Senior Noncommissioned Officers Academy, Maxwell-Gunter Annex, Ala.
2014 Professional Manager Certification, Community College of the Air Force
2015 Advanced Maintenance Superintendent Course, AMMOS Schoolhouse, Nellis AFB, Nev.
2015 Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education Correspondence Course
2016 Master of Business and Administration, Webster University, Hill AFB, Utah
2016 Aircraft Mishap Investigation Course, Kirtland AFB, N.M.
2017 Air Force Reserve Command Chief Master Sergeant Orientation Course, Robins AFB, Ga.
2019 Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education II Correspondence Course
2019 Chief Leadership Course, Maxwell-Gunter Annex, Ala.
2020 AF Continuous Process Improvement Green Belt Certification
2021 Project Management Graduate Certificate, Webster University, Hill AFB, Utah
2022 AF Continuous Process Improvement Black Belt Certification Course
2023 Reserve Components National Security Course, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington D.C.
ASSIGNMENTS
1. September 2003 – December 2006, F-16 Avionics Specialist, 421st Aircraft Maintenance Unit, Hill AFB, Utah
2. April 2007 – October 2009, F-16 Avionics Systems Specialist, 466th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, Hill AFB, Utah
3. October 2009 – September 2011, Specialist Section Chief, 466th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, Hill AFB, Utah
4. September 2011 – August 2013, Specialist Flight Chief, 419th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Hill AFB, Utah
5. August 2013 – August 2015, Quality Assurance Superintendent, 419th Maintenance Group, Hill AFB, Utah
6. August 2015 – September 2016, F-35 Program Integration Office Superintendent, 419th MXG, Hill AFB, Utah
7. September 2016 – September 2021, 466th Aircraft Maintenance Unit Superintendent, 419th AMXS, Hill AFB, Utah
8. September 2021 – April 2024, Senior Enlisted Leader, 419th Mission Support Group, Hill AFB, Utah
9. April 2024 – Present, Command Chief, 419th Fighter Wing, Hill AFB, Utah
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters
Air Force Commendation Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Meritorious Unit Award
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster
Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one device
Iraq Campaign Medal with two devices
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border and three devices
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 2 “M” devices
NATO Medal
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTIONS
Airman June 17, 2003
Airman 1st Class April 17, 2004
Senior Airman December 17, 2005
Staff Sergeant September 1, 2007
Technical Sergeant March 1, 2009
Master Sergeant March 1, 2011
Senior Master Sergeant December 1, 2013
Chief Master Sergeant October 1, 2017
(Current as of April 2024)