CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT WILLIAM E. RYALS III
CMSgt William Ryals currently serves as the Command Chief Master Sergeant for the 125th
Fighter Wing, Florida Air National Guard. He serves as the commander’s key enlisted advocate and
advisor on operational effectiveness and the organization, training and equipping of enlisted
Airmen. CMSgt Ryals is responsible for the professional development, and proper utilization of the
enlisted force. CMSgt Ryals works with group SELs and first sergeants to oversee unit readiness,
training, health, morale, welfare, and quality of life of all assigned personnel. He maintains
professional relationships with subordinate commanders and superintendents and works in
concert to accomplish the mission.
CMSgt Ryals entered the Air Force on February 27, 1998. He graduated from the Fighter
Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice course at Sheppard AFB, Texas, in February 1999. He began his
career in the Aircraft Inspection Section, before becoming a Dedicated Crew Chief. In 2012,
CMSgt Ryals cross-trained to Aircraft Armament Systems and served as a Weapons Load Crew member for
six years. Prior to his current position, the CMSgt served as the Group Senior Enlisted Leader,
125th Operations Group.
CMSgt Ryals background includes various duties in operations, aircraft maintenance, personnel/cargo
deployment functions, chemical/biological warfare training, security and quality assurance.
Throughout his career, CMSgt Ryals has played an instrumental role on and off the flight line. He
has deployed overseas in support of Operations Northern Watch, Southern Watch, Noble Eagle,
Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, as well as other Air Expeditionary Force deployments and Quick
Reaction Force tasking’s.
EDUCATION
1999 Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice, Sheppard AFB, TX. 2001 Air Force Training Course,
Sheppard AFB, TX.
2002 Airman Leadership School, Maxwell AFB, AL., by correspondence 2002 Chemical/Biological
Operations Instructor Course, Andrews AFB, MD. 2004 Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Craftsman,
Sheppard AFB, TX.
2004 Air Mobility Command Equipment Preparation Course, Louisville ANGB, KY.
2007 Air University Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Maxwell AFB, AL., by correspondence 2009
Paul W. Airey, Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, Tyndall AFB, FL.
2010 Air Force Reserve Command Anti-Terrorism Officer Course, NAS Ft. Worth, TX. 2013 Aircraft
Armament Systems Apprentice, Sheppard AFB, TX.
2015 Air Force Culture General Course, Maxwell AFB, AL., by correspondence
2018 Air University Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Maxwell AFB, AL., by correspondence
2018 Associates of Science, Aviation Maintenance Technology, Community College of the Air Force
2019 Air Combat Command Production Superintendent Course, Hill AFB, UT., by correspondence
2020 Air Combat Command/Air Force Reserve Command Superintendent Course, Homestead ARB, FL.
2021 Air Force CMSgt Leadership Course, Maxwell AFB, AL.
2022 Air National Guard CMSgt Orientation Course, Andrews AFB, MD. 2024 Air National Guard
Contemporary Base Issues, Jacksonville, FL. 2024 Leadership Challenge Program Level III,
Jacksonville, FL
2024 Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education II, by correspondence
ASSIGNMENTS
1. February 1998 – July 2001, Fighter Aircraft Maintenance Journeyman, 169th AGS, McEntire ANGB,
SC.
2. July 2001- July 2003, Fighter Aircraft Maintenance Craftsman, 169th MXS, McEntire ANGB, SC.
3. July 2003 – March 2008, Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Craftsman, 169th AMXS, McEntire JNGB, SC.
4. March 2008 – August 2012, Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Craftsman, 125th FW DET 1, Homestead
ARB, FL.
5. August 2012 – July 2018, Aircraft Armament Systems Craftsman, 125th FW, Homestead ARB, FL.
6. July 2018- January 2021, Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Superintendent, 125th FW, Homestead ARB,
FL.
7. January 2021- May 2023, Chief Enlisted Manager, 125th OG, DET 1, Homestead ARB, FL.
8. May 2023- December 2025, Senior Enlisted Leader, 125th Operations Group, Jacksonville ANGB, FL.
9. December 2025- present, Command Chief Master Sergeant, 125th Fighter Wing, Jacksonville, ANGB,
FL.
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air and Space Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters Air and Space Achievement Medal with
one oak leaf cluster
Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with eight oak leaf clusters South Carolina
Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster Florida Commendation Medal
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS
Lifetime member, National Guard Association of the United States Florida Air National Guard Chief’s
Council, Vice-President
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class February 27, 1998
Senior Airman December 1, 1999
Staff Sergeant June 1, 2002
Technical Sergeant July 9, 2008
Master Sergeant January 9, 2011
Senior Master Sergeant December 2, 2018
Chief Master Sergeant April 28, 2021
(CURRENT AS OF DEC 2025)