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Meet Malmstrom's new command chief

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Collin Schmidt
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  With more than 20 years of service under his belt in the United States Air Force and more stories from travels around the world than most people could dream of, it was finally Chief Master Sgt. Phillip Easton's turn to take the reigns as Malmstrom's new command chief.

Before accepting his assignment to Malmstrom Air Force Base, Easton served as the superintendent for the 18th Mission Support Group at Kadena Air Base, Japan. He assumed his current position in November of last year, serving as the primary advisor to the commander on matters concerning moral, welfare, health and discipline for the more than 3,000 Airmen on Malmstrom.

"Malmstrom is a great place," Easton said. "This is a very tightknit community where everyone can rely on each other. I have also been very impressed by the Great Falls community; the people here are so friendly. I am looking forward to working with the Airmen and making sure that we are a professionally developed force who can overcome anything.

"I want to give the members of Malmstrom the tools they need to succeed in everything they do and most of all, to become outstanding Airmen," he added.

After graduating high school in Irving, Texas, Easton immediately entered the military and started his career as an aircraft maintainer. He eventually went on to become a Military Training Instructor and, in 2002, earned the title of Air Force Master Military Training Instructor (Blue Rope) of the Year.

During his 23 years of military service, he has had the opportunity to hold a variety of positions, which have helped him build the skills needed to become a leader.

Some of his previous assignments include a position as a communication and navigation systems specialist for the 310th Air Refueling Squadron in Plattsburg, N.Y., and in the 963rd Airborne Air Control Squadron, Tinker AFB, Okla. He was also a technical order distribution office program manager for the 552nd Logistics Squadron at Tinker AFB.

In his words, the most meaningful job he was ever tasked to do was become the MTI team chief for the 322nd Training Squadron at Lackland AFB, Texas. According to Easton, each position has helped him become a better teacher and role model for Airmen.

"My goal is to wake up every day and make a difference in someone's life," Easton said. "I am grateful that I have a position where my voice is heard and where I can use my input to better our Airmen. The mission here is one of the most important in the military and one that needs to be done exceptionally well every day. The people we have are amazing and very capable. I am going to do everything I can to help them accomplish their mission and get the job done."

When the chief isn't busy with his duties on base and formulating plans to better Team Malmstrom, he enjoys spending time with his family at home. He and his wife, Yolanda, keep their hands full raising their two daughters, Briana and Ariana and balancing a busy schedule. The family also plans on enjoying some of the things Malmstrom and the surrounding communities have to offer.

"This is my third cold-weather base and my last duty station was in Japan so my family and I are used to making our way through the snow," Easton said. "We plan on getting some time in on the slopes and learning how to snowboard and ski, which might be a challenge. I have also wanted to snowmobile across Yellowstone National Park and enjoy what the park has to offer. Montana has a lot of outdoor activities for people to enjoy; you just need to know where to look."

As Malmstrom's new command chief, Easton is ready to tackle any challenges that await. He brings a whole new set of skills to the table that have been honed over years as an enlisted military member. Ambition, charisma and determination are traits that may easily be seen in his character, and he leaves no stone unturned in his quest to better the nuclear force.

"I want everyone to succeed in their mission," Easton said. "My goal is to help instill the leadership skills that will help our Airmen in the future and make this a community everyone can enjoy."