An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Chief Webb bids farewell to the 919th SOW

  • Published
  • By U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Dylan Gentile
  • 919th Special Operations Wing

The 919th Special Operations Wing’s command chief bid farewell to the unit in a retirement ceremony June 4, 2022 culminating the end of 32 years of service. 

“It’s been a distinct honor to serve here,” said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Peter Webb, who served in the role since March 2019. “This is where I learned to be an Airman and I’m very grateful for my family here at the wing.”

Webb joined the service as a soldier in the U.S. Army in 1989, beginning his career in fire protection at the 468th Engineer Platoon in Danvers, Massachusetts. He served in the Army for nine years before deciding to separate from the service. Within a matter of weeks, he was back in uniform as a member of the Air Force Reserve and the 919th Civil Engineer Squadron.  

“We were young Airmen coming up through the ranks at the same time,” said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. David Sidley, fire chief with the 919th CES and who worked alongside Webb for 21 years. “I certainly wouldn’t have made it this far without his help and words of inspiration. He’s done a great job as command chief.”

Webb led the chief’s group, Rising 6 (an enlisted professional organization) and stayed involved with the development and training flight while attending his numerous other duties as the wing persevered through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Duke Field is the best place to finish my military journey alongside my reserve family,” said Webb. “The fire dawgs and I here are tight and have our own distinct culture because of our selection process. They set me up for success to serve the community.”

Although his career as an Airman has ended, Webb will continue to serve as a firefighter for the civilian fire department in Dothan, Alabama. His supervisor promoted him to deputy fire chief during his retirement at the June unit training assembly.

“I hate to see him go, but I know he’s ready,” said Sidley. “He’s been very dedicated to his position throughout his service. Now, he can spend more time with his family.”

He carried around multiple laptops and cell phones for several years -- two devices for his position at the fire department in Dothan, two for his family and personal life, and two for his role as command chief. While he had an amazing time in his role, he is happy to shed a phone and a laptop. 

“It’s been an awesome ride,” said Webb. “I don’t want to go, but it’s my time. I believe the new command chief will do a great job guiding the unit in a time of change in Air Force Special Operations Command.”

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Manuel Zubia will pick up the torch and continue the work of command chief for the 919th SOW while the unit evolves and innovates to meet the needs of AFSOC into the future.