Thomas N. Barnes

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Thomas N. Barnes

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Thomas N. Barnes was the fourth Chief Master Sergeant promoted to the highest Non-commissioned officer position in the United States Air Force.

Chief Barnes was born in Chester, Pennsylvania. He entered the US Air Force in April 1949. Following basic military training, he attended Aircraft and Engine School and Hydraulic Specialist School at Chanute Technical Training Center, Illinois. In October 1950, he was assigned to the 4th Troop Carrier Squadron, McChord Air Force Base, Washington. In November 1950, Chief Barnes transferred to Ashiya, Japan, in support of the Korean War. Shortly after arrival in Japan, he completed on-the-job training for flight engineer duties. Then, due to low manning, he performed both flight engineer and hydraulic specialist duties. He was assigned to bases in Massachusetts, Texas, Maryland, Maine, Washington, California, and Southeast Asia. In October 1971, Chief Barnes assumed duties as the Command Senior Enlisted Advisor to Headquarters, Air Training Command. At the expiration of the initial two-year tenure as CMSAF, he was extended for an additional year by the Air Force Chief of Staff. In February 1976, he was selected by the chief of staff to serve an unprecedented second year extension.

CMSAF Barnes served as Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force from October 1973 to July 1977. To date, he is the only African-American to serve in this position. He died on 17 March 2003.