Chief Master Sergeant James L. Wright
CMSgt James L. Wright is the State Command Chief Master Sergeant for the Arizona Air National Guard, Papago Park Military Reservation, Phoenix, Arizona. He serves as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Air Component Commander on all matters affecting the readiness, training, professional development, health, morale, welfare and effective utilization of more than 2,600 Airmen.
Chief Wright enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in April of 1996 and was assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron HMM-164 as an Aviation Maintenance Data Specialist. In May 1997, he was assigned to the Combat Cargo team aboard the USS Peleliu, where he deployed throughout Southeast Asia and the Middle East. In April 2001, he joined the 162nd Wing, Morris ANGB, Arizona, as an Aircraft Maintenance Production Manager. In November 2012, he was selected as a Production Recruiter. In May 2014, he transferred to the 161st Air Refueling Wing, Goldwater ANGB, Arizona, as the Retention Office Manager. In September 2018 he retrained into the Personnel career field and was assigned to various positions, including NCOIC of Career Development and Installation Personnel Readiness Superintendent.
Chief Wright deployed in direct support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH and was activated in support of Operation NOBLE EAGLE. Prior to his current assignment, he served as the Senior Enlisted Leader for 161st Force Support Squadron.
EDUCATION
1996 Marine Combat Infantry Training, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
1999 Fundamentals of Marine Corps Leadership, Marine Corps Institute
2003 Airman Leadership School, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
2008 Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice, University of Phoenix, Tucson, Ariz.
2011 Associate in Applied Science, Maintenance Production Management, CCAF, Maxwell-Gunter AFB, Ala.
2014 Associate in Applied Science, Human Resources Management, CCAF, Maxwell-Gunter AFB, Ala.
2010 Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
2016 Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
2022 Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education II, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
2022 Air National Guard Chief Master Sergeant Orientation Course, Joint Base Andrews, MD
2024 Chief Leadership Course, Maxwell-Gunter AFB, Ala.
ASSIGNMENTS
1. Nov. 1996 – April 2000, Aviation Maintenance Data Specialist, Camp Pendleton MCAS, Calif.
2. April 2001- July 2008, Maintenance Production Management, 162d MOF, Morris ANGB, Ariz.
3. Aug. 2008 – September 2010, Plan and Programs, 162d MOF, Morris ANGB, Ariz.
4. Oct. 2010 – April 2012, Maintenance Management Analyst, 162d MOF, Morris ANGB, Ariz.
5. May 2012 – April 2014, Production Recruiter, 162d FSS, Morris ANGB, Ariz.
6. May 2014 - April 2015, Retention Office Manager, 161st FSS, Goldwater ANGB, Ariz.
7. May 2015 – October 2016, Recruiting and Retention Manager, 161st FSS, Goldwater ANGB, Ariz.
8. Nov. 2016 – August 2017, NCOIC, Career Development, 161st FSS, Goldwater ANGB, Ariz.
9. Sept. 2017 – May 2021, Superintendent, Installation Personnel Readiness, 161st FSS, Goldwater ANGB, Ariz.
10. May 2021 – November 2024, Senior Enlisted Leader, 161st Force Support Squadron, Goldwater ANGB, Ariz.
11. Dec. 2024 – Present, State Command Chief Master Sergeant for the Arizona Air National Guard, Papago Park Military Reservation, Phoenix, Ariz.
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster
Air Force Commendation Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal
Navy Unit Commendation
Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal with oak leaf cluster
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
STATE AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Arizona Airman of the Year Ribbon
Arizona Long Service Medal
Arizona Service Ribbon
Arizona Physical Fitness Ribbon
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2009, 162d Wing Command Chief Award
2010, Distinguished Graduate, Maintenance Management Analysis Course
2013, Region 1 Rookie Recruiter of the Year
2014, Region 1, FY14 1ST Quarter Top Accessions Production Recruiter
2018, 161st ARW Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year
2018, Arizona Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Private First Class Oct. 1, 1996
Lance Corporal, Nov. 1, 1997
Corporal March 1, 1998
Senior Airman April 19, 2001
Staff Sergeant Aug. 15, 2003
Technical Sergeant Jan. 18, 2008
Master Sergeant July 12, 2014
Senior Master Sergeant Dec. 6, 2018
Chief Master Sergeant Sep. 1, 2021
(Current as of January 2025)