New 53rd chief brings world-travelled skill Published Dec. 8, 2009 By Ashley M. Wright Team Eglin Public Affairs EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The new command chief master sergeant for the 53rd Wing experienced firsthand the benefits of the hard work from the men and women within the wing. "Just coming off a deployment in Afghanistan, I have seen it day in and day out," Chief Master Sgt William K. Harner, Jr., said. "What they do here every day does make a difference down range. The things that are being developed here [and] the programs that are being perfected are truly saving lives down range, and that is what it is all about." In his new position, Chief Harner is responsible for the health, welfare, morale and effective utilization of approximately 2,000 military and civilian personnel at various locations in the United States. "I am primarily responsible for the development and care of our enlisted folks and also, second to that, helping the commander with enlisted issues," he said. He added the best part of his job is interacting with enlisted Airmen, watching them receive praise for their achievements, helping with their development and learning their concerns. The chief plans to draw from his diverse background to overcome any difficulties that arise. "Coming from a maintenance background, I can certainly talk the maintenance lingo as we work with different agencies even though we don't necessarily have maintainers in the wing," the 25-year veteran said. "I spent three years in the operations side, so I certainly understand the flying side of it and the operator's side of it, too. I think bringing all that together will help me understand more of where we need to go and the different challenges that different agencies have." Chief Harner's previous assignments include bases in Korea, Japan, Germany and deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. In his previous assignment at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, the chief served as president of a chiefs' group. Using his five years of experience as a chief, the Pennsylvania native said welding the differences in military, civilians and contractors together to improve team building could present a challenge. "Team building relationships are key," he said. "A lot of things will follow once you have that established." Chief Harner said supporting career development and ensuring enlisted members have good opportunities will help that team building. He added that 53rd members should feel free to approach him with different ideas. "I like new ideas and people thinking out of the box," he said. "I want them to know I am open-minded to new ideas. Frankly, nothing is off the table as long as it fits with all the standard bumpers we have in the Air Force."