Liberty Wing welcomes new command chief Published June 24, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Dana J. Butler 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Airmen from the 48th Fighter Wing may have noticed a new face around base. As the highest enlisted member in the 48th FW, Chief Master Sgt. Vincent Marler is responsible for the 4,165 enlisted Airmen in the wing. Marler serves as the primary advisor to the commander on matters concerning the mission effectiveness, readiness, training, health, welfare and morale of more than 5,000 active duty military members and 2,000 British and U.S. civilians. The former 99th Air Base Wing command chief at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. said he was delighted to find out about his new assignment to RAF Lakenheath. "When I was told I was going to get interviewed for the job, of course I did research about the place and my first thought was I would love to come here," said Marler. "The Air Force pays you to be here and you get to go out and see things and do things that most people in the United States just dream about." Marler reflected on the differences between RAF Lakenheath and Nellis AFB. "Lakenheath is more of a traditional wing structure, where as Nellis is completely different," said Marler. "Nellis has three wings and all kinds of tenant units. For here, it's the typical four groups and command structure, which I think is going to be fantastic and will smooth the lines of communication." As a liaison between Col. Kyle Robinson, the 48th FW commander and the enlisted force, the command chief ensures the commander's policies are known, understood and followed. "My issues are what Colonel Robinson's issues are, which are what the United States Air Forces in Europe commander and Gen. Welsh's [ Air Force Chief of Staff ] issues are," said Marler. "Sexual assault prevention is at the top of the list; zero tolerance for the Air Force and certainly zero tolerance here at Lakenheath." While ensuring the commander's priorities are known, Marler also has issues that are important to him. "The three things that I like to talk about are standards and discipline, taking care of families and [preparing ] front-line supervisors. I believe if you take care of those things, then the rest of the Air Force follows suit," said Marler. "Without taking care of those three things, there is a chance for people to cut corners, lose focus or maybe get a little lackadaisical in the day to day operations." Marler challenges Airmen to make themselves more marketable and well rounded by volunteering, getting more involved and pursuing further education. "I tell Airmen to set yourself up for success, don't burn bridges and make sure you are taking care of yourself as far as your career and education," said Marler. "Leaders are developed over time, through study, education and life experience." And Marler feels that Liberty Wing Airmen are ready for that challenge. "Every time I turn around there is somebody in the wing that is the best in the Air Force for something," said Marler. "You don't go to a lot of places that get that kind of recognition on a regular basis, but this base is just swarming with it." Marler said being a command chief has been the most rewarding part of his career. "As a leader, I'm pretty easy going, I'm not in your face or a my way or the highway kind of guy," said Marler. "I firmly believe in change management, everything upfront and open lines of communication." The open lines of communication and his leadership style allow Marler to understand all the enlisted issues. "My job is to make sure that Col. Robinson knows all the enlisted issues that affect the enlisted force as a whole," said Marler. "I'm open to feedback, criticism and new ideas about how we can do things bigger, better, cheaper and more efficient; whatever the case may be I certainly want to know those ideas."