POPE ARMY AIRFIELD, N.C -- The 43rd Air Mobility Operations Group hosted its Change of Responsibility Ceremony June 18, 2026. During the event, Col. Brian Steinke presided over the ceremony which transferred the role of 43rd AMOG command chief from Chief Master Sgt. Tomio P. Brown, Sr., 43rd AMOG outgoing command chief, to Chief Master Sgt. Jeremiah Clark, 43rd AMOG incoming command chief.
Change of responsibilities are similar to change of command ceremonies and serve as a time-honored military tradition where the position of chief enlisted advisor to a commander is passed from one party to the next.
“What is a command chief master sergeant,” Steinke queried the crowd while providing opening remarks. “It is a little different because we have the rank of chief and we have a command chief master sergeant.”
“This individual is selected to be an advisor to at least an O-6 command level,” he continued. “This individual is the primary advisor to the commander for all holistic matters, morale and welfare, mission readiness — you name it. But any of things defining this position found on [the internet] do not pay justice to what that job actually is and what these men on the stage actually do.”
Commanders and senior enlisted members historically work hand-in-glove to achieve mission success for an organization. Command chiefs are charged with helping to facilitate the commander’s intent and at times serve as a confidant to the commander and is a member who can help bridge the gap between the enlisted and officer forces while offering a different perspective.
Chief Brown served in his position from June 6, 2024, to June 18, 2026. During this period, Brown was instrumental in preparing the 43rd AMOG to project, train and support forces directly. He ensured the combat readiness of the Secretary of War's Immediate Response Force. He aided in the masterful execution of 16 joint exercises by successfully certifying 90, 000 joint Warfighters for rapid global mobility. As stated in his Legion of Merrit, Chief Brown was a proactive advocate for his Airmen. He identified critical facility health hazards and successfully secured $1.25 million in renovation funds. His efforts directly enhanced Airmen's quality of life.
“Thank you, Col. Steinke and Col. Morris for your trust and unwavering support to allow me to lead the best way I know how,” Brown said addressing his teammates. “Your advice has helped me grow in my capacity to better effect the Airmen under our command. It's been such a great ride filled with so many ups and downs. I know there's much more work to be done.”
“To the 43rd AMOG, when I assumed this responsibility as your command chief two short years ago, I was humbled by the responsibility and eager to make a positive impact at every turn,” Brown said turning his attention to the formation. “My mission was to take care of Airmen and ensure they had support, resources and guidance necessary to excel in the capacity they held.”
Concluding his remarks in one of the last acts as 43rd AMOG command chief, he spoke directly to the Airmen of Team Pope.
“I am proud to say that together we have achieved remarkable things,” he said fondly. “We faced challenges head on and celebrated numerous accomplishments, all the while strengthening the bonds that make our team resilient and effective. To the Airmen, your dedication, professionalism, ingenuity, and relentless excellence have been truly inspiring to me.”
After his remarks, the official party took center stage to execute the change of responsibility. This was signified by the passing of the 43rd AMOG guidon. Facilitated by the group commander, responsibility for the unit was passed from Chief Brown to Chief Clark. After a round of applause, the newest 43rd AMOG command chief took to the podium.
“I've seen many familiar faces here today, intensifying the understanding that no one gets here alone,” Clark said. “Having the privilege of [working with] great leaders, mentors, instructors, and most importantly, working alongside the most lethal and professional Airmen the world has ever known over these last two decades, are the biggest reasons why I am able to stand here today to take on this awesome opportunity and responsibility.”
“Chief Brown, thank you for your leadership and dedication to the Airmen of the 43rd AMOG. You were instrumental in building a solid foundation for this organization and ensuring that it stayed on an upward trajectory,” Clark said sincerely. “Being the command chief is not about a rank or title, but the service to our Airmen. [Team Pope,] I look forward to serving alongside you and learning from each and every one of you.”