Command Chief Master Sergeant Joan M. Nguyen is the Command Chief Master Sergeant for the 163d Attack Wing at March Air Reserve Base, California. As the senior enlisted advisor, she is responsible for matters influencing the health, welfare, and professional development of enlisted personnel. Through enlisted force engagement, she is the communication link between the commander and enlisted community, ensuring the commander’s directions and policies are carried out, and the Airmen understand and are dedicated to the mission of the command. Additionally, she is responsible for Senior Enlisted mentorship as well as coordinating with outside agencies on mission, vision, core values and commander’s intent.
Chief Nguyen entered the United States Air Force in 1999, beginning her active-duty career as a Surveillance Technician at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, where she served for seven years. Her early operational experience includes a deployment to Eskan Village, Saudi Arabia, in support of Operations NORTHERN WATCH and SOUTHERN WATCH. In 2004, she completed a remote tour to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, serving as the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of the Joint Interface Control Cell in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM.
In 2006, Chief Nguyen transitioned to the Arizona Air National Guard as a Sensor Operator, where she played a pivotal role in standing up a newly established Attack Squadron. She subsequently transferred to the California Air National Guard in 2007. In this capacity, she directly supported combat operations and amassed over 2,800 flying hours. Selected to serve as a First Sergeant in 2014, Chief Nguyen provided vital leadership and personnel oversight for the Security Forces Squadron, Mission Support Group, and Headquarters elements, and was later activated in support of the Operations Group Title 10 mission. Prior to her current assignment, she served as the Human Resource Advisor. In this role, she provided strategic leadership, guidance, and educational support, equipping personnel with the tools necessary to implement organizational change and cultivate a diverse and inclusive culture. Chief Nguyen assumed her previous position as the Mission Support Group Senior Enlisted Leader in June 2022.