New 62nd AW command chief excited to get involved

Chief Master Sgt. Gordon Drake

By Marques Hunter on June 28, 2012

Now the eyes and ears of the enlisted force at McChord Field, Command Chief Master Sgt. Gordon Drake recently began his new job at the 62nd Airlift Wing and will serve as the main advisor to more than 1,670 enlisted members.

The 48-year-old married father of two has been assigned to 11 different bases across the world and arrived at McChord Field in April. He was previously stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., as the maintenance group's superintendent.

Drake's main goal is to get out and meet people and see what's on their mind. His predecessor, Gregory Warren, was reassigned to a military base in England.

"My predecessor was very active," Drake said. "I want to continue that."

One of Drake's main goals is to foster a culture of responsible choices within the enlisted core and ensure that housing is adequate in the dormitories and military housing family areas.

But since he's new to the installation, he's been in receive mode and is spending time in work centers and talking to people.

"You can't do this job behind a desk," he said. "You have to get out and know them."

Drake is planning on getting involved in nearly everything that happens on McChord Field, from recreation activities to barbecues.

While he has held various positions in the military, this is Drake's first assignment within Air Mobility Command.

He's impressed with how many opportunities AMC makes available for Servicemembers at McChord Field. From libraries to community centers, he said there are amazing things to do.

"The enlisted force seems happy, productive and creative," he said. "I want to develop Airmen and help them get promoted, get off to a great start and have a great career."

Drake, a Maine native, has been married to his high school sweetheart, Martha, for 26 years. His daughter, Shelby, 11, will attend Harrison Prep in Lakewood. Son Shawn, 25, is an airborne linguist assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Fla.

The chief has supported and deployed in support of operations in several combat missions including Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. He also has an extensive background in fighter aircraft maintenance and has expertise on F-4D, EF/F-111A, F-15E, F-16/C/D and A-10 A/C aircraft. He's held various leadership positions as well, including for an aircraft maintenance unit, an aircraft maintenance squadron and as a maintenance group superintendent.

The best advice he's received during his 26-year career is to give it your best effort but don't get hung up on who gets the credit, Drake said.

"The key to my success is that I loved my job and I worked really hard, but I didn't work hard to get the notoriety or to get recognized," he said. "People took notice of that ... When it's time to hang up my hat, I want to know I made things better for the Airmen."