22nd MSG superintendent selected for command chief position

  • Published
  • By Airman Jenna K. Caldwell
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Chief Master Sgt. Johnathan Hover, 22nd Mission Support Group superintendent, has been selected for a wing command chief position.

Hover will head to the 14th Flying Training Wing at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, as their new command chief master sergeant.

Hover has been at McConnell since June of 2013, serving as the group commanders' principle advisor for the 22nd Force Support Squadron and 22nd MSG. He provided insight on issues affecting enlisted Airmen across six squadrons from operation readiness to Airmen morale and welfare.  

"McConnell Air Force Base's loss is a huge gain for Columbus," said Col. Matthew Benivegna, 22nd MSG commander. "Chief Hover is a family man, which translates directly into Air Force leadership characteristics. He has the vision, initiative, humility and ability to develop a productive team."

Hover entered the Air Force in 1990 and has served in numerous leadership positions at squadron, group and wing levels throughout his career.

"My tour at McConnell has been a continual learning experience," said Hover. "I will always remember the opportunities that were allotted to me here. You take a little bit of the good and bad that you learn at every duty assignment with you throughout your career."

Hover was born and raised in Vienna, Ohio. He joined the Air Force for the educational opportunities, but soon developed a dedicated passion for his job and service.

"As a young Airman, I saw a lot of individuals retiring as technical sergeants and master sergeants; those were who we looked up to," said Hover. "Making chief was just a fantasy I didn't feel was even possible at the time."

Hover's decorations include the Bronze Star and Defense Meritorious Service Medal. He has deployed more than 10 times over the course of his career and holds an MBA from Grantham University.

"If you are giving 100 percent of yourself, then you can walk away knowing you have done your best," said Hover. "I feel honored that I was selected. I am extremely appreciative of all the great leaders and mentors that have helped me expand my career and enabled me to take advantage of this great opportunity."