DULUTH, Minn. -- Last month, Chief Master Sgt. Jozef Miketin assumed responsibility as the 148th Fighter Wing Command Chief. In this role, Miketin will advise commanders on the readiness, training, development and utilization of 900+ enlisted members assigned to the wing. He is the tenth individual to hold this position at the 148th since 1988.
“One of my most important duties as Command Chief is to connect with and understand the enlisted force at all levels,” Miketin said. “Building relationships and understanding what truly affects Airmen is an important aspect of the welfare and morale of the wing as a whole."
A native of Esko, Minnesota, Miketin enlisted in the Minnesota Army National Guard in 1998 as a wheeled vehicle mechanic. While attending college for a civilian law enforcement degree, Miketin transferred to the 79th Military Police Company. In 2003, Miketin was deployed to Iraq with the 79th Military Police Company where he served as a fire team leader. As a result of his efforts in Iraq, Miketin was awarded combat patch, Combat Action Badge and Army Commendation Medal.
In 2006, Miketin enlisted at the 148th Fighter Wing as a security forces specialist. In this capacity, Miketin has served as a fire team leader, squad leader, flight chief, training manager, operations superintendent, security forces manager and chief enlisted manager.
Earlier this year, Miketin served as the senior enlisted leader of 100 Airmen during the 2021 Presidential Inauguration in Washington D.C. and the April state active duty mission, Operation Safety Net, designed to protect the public during the trial of Derek Chauvin in Brooklyn Center and St. Paul, Minnesota.
“My vision as Command Chief is to strengthen our legacy of excellence and further professionalize the force. We are often called upon at a moment’s notice,” said Miketin. “I will work to ensure our Airmen operate in an environment of readiness and resilience. Professional development, as well as tactical and technical education, are critical to mission success. Airmen deserve to have the tools needed to excel in their positions.”
Miketin has an Associate of Arts in Law Enforcement from Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Management from the College of Saint Scholastica, and a Master of Business Administration in Business Leadership from the College of Saint Scholastica. He’s employed with the Duluth Police Department as a Sergeant in the Patrol Division.
Miketin, who has extensive experience in both civilian and military settings, says “Airmen can expect open and honest communication along with visible and active leadership.”
Miketin currently serves as a traditional, or part time, member of the 148th but will transition into an active duty role, Dec. 1, 2021.