AF's first African American CMSAF Published Feb. 11, 2010 By Maj. Kenneth McGhee 90th Missile Maintenance Squadron F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Barnes grew up in the war-related industries town of Chester, Penn. In April 1949, he joined the newly-created United States Air Force as an aircraft maintainer specializing in hydraulics. In October 1950, he was assigned to the 4th Troop Carrier Squadron of the 62nd Troop Carrier Group, McChord AFB, Wash. In November 1950, Chief Barnes transferred with the 4th Troop Carrier Squadron to Ashiya, Japan, in support of the Korean War. Chief Barns was also as at the leading edge of U.S. Air Force integration efforts as he was one of the first African Americans to join the unit. His unit flew Korean War support missions. In time, a crew pal taught him the art of flight engineering, and he began flying resupply and medical evacuation missions. By his tour's end, he had gained flight engineer certification, accumulated 750 flight hours over enemy territory and earned the Air Medal. Chief Barnes served in numerous leadership roles on various assignments culminating with his selection as the Headquarters Air Training Command Senior Enlisted Advisor in October 1971 and, ultimately, his selection as the fourth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force on Oct. 1, 1973. He was the first CMSAF with direct Vietnam experience and the first African-American to serve in the highest enlisted post of any of the military services. While in office, the chief of staff consecutively extended his term, once in 1975, and an unprecedented second year extension in 1976. Chief Barnes' most notable contribution came in the area that inspired his greatest passion and ranked among his largest challenges -- working to ensure equality among the ranks and races. He took great pride for his role in bringing about the Air Force Social Actions Program in 1969. He labored to break down barriers for women and convinced the Air Force to use them in nontraditional roles. He understood the value of continuing to educate Airmen, and believed no one should advance in rank without professional military education. He worked to firmly establish the service's commitment to enlisted profession military education. Recognized throughout the force for his ability to communicate with anyone, Chief Barnes made listening to Airmen a priority. At the beginning of his tenure, the question most asked of Chief Barnes was, "What programs will you implement for the blacks?" "The answer was none," he said. "I told them I work for all blue suiters." After his retirement, Chief Barnes remained actively engaged in Air Force issues. Chief Barnes died on March 17, 2003.