POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Chief Master Sgt. Douglas Ackerman will become the top enlisted Airman at Pope Air Force Base on August 28, 43rd Airlift Wing Commander John McDonald announced August 6.

Chief Ackerman will take over as the 43rd AW Command Chief Master Sergeant for Chief Master Sgt. Michael Grimm, who is leaving Pope to take the same position with the 21st Expeditionary Mobility Task Force at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J. 

"Chief Grimm has done a fantastic job and we wish him the very best as he moves to McGuire," Colonel McDonald said. "I am very excited to have Chief Ackerman as part of the Team Pope leadership team."

Chief Ackerman is currently the Air Terminal Manager with Pope's 3rd Aerial Port Squadron. He has been a member of the 43rd AW for one year and has served in the Air Force for 20 years.

"I am honored and very humbled to be selected as the 43rd Airlift Wing Command Chief," Chief Ackerman said. "For the last year, I've had the opportunity to meet numerous outstanding people across the Wing. I look forward to representing our fine enlisted corps and continuing programs that Chief Grimm has worked during his time at Pope." 

Chief Grimm will be working as the command chief for Brig. Gen. (select) Timothy Zadalis, who took over as commander of the 21st EMTF in May.

Please call the Pope AFB Public Affairs office at (910) 394-4183 with any questions.