ANG Command Chief to visit 166th Airlift Wing in New Castle

NEW CASTLE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Delaware -- Chief Master Sgt. James W. Hotaling, the eleventh Command Chief Master Sergeant, Air National Guard, will visit the wing on Oct. 18. Hotaling represents the highest level of enlisted leadership for the ANG, and is responsible for matters influencing the health, morale and welfare of assigned enlisted personnel and their families.

According to his biography, Hotaling entered the Air Force in 1987 and served as a special tactics combat controller. He has participated in Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Provide Relief, Support Relief, Support Justice, Uphold Democracy, Vigilant Warrior, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. He planned and executed combat and humanitarian operations in support of national interests in Iraq, Haiti, Somalia, and Afghanistan.

Hotaling served 10 years on active duty performing various operational and staff duties. After a small break in service, he joined the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve as a port security specialist.

In 2001, Hotaling rejoined the Air Force as a reservist Combat Control IMA. In 2003, Hotaling was instrumental in the establishment of the Oregon ANG's 125th Special Tactics Squadron, and served as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Oregon Joint Force Headquarters-Combat Operations Group. Hotaling was the Command Chief, 142nd Fighter Wing, Oregon ANG, Portland ANG Base, Oregon. In 2012, he was selected to serve as Command Chief Master Sergeant at the Continental U.S North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and 1st Air Force, Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. He assumed his present position in January 2013.