Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley yesterday named the senior enlisted airman in the Pacific to be the top enlisted leader for the entire U.S. Air Force.

With the appointment, Hawai'i-based Chief Master Sgt. Rodney McKinley will become the chief master sergeant of the Air Force.

In his new role, McKinley will provide direction to more than 680,000 officers, enlisted airmen, civilians and Air Guard and Reserve members.

The Georgetown, Ohio, native will work at the Pentagon and advise the Air Force chief of staff and the secretary of the Air Force on issues regarding the welfare, readiness and morale of Air Force personnel and their families.

At Hickam Air Force Base, McKinley has been the primary enlisted adviser to the commander of Pacific Air Forces.