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        Policy UpdatesNewsroomReoptimizationBIOGRAPHIESAF Senior Leaders      Robert D. Gaylor, the fifth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, passed away Jan. 17, at the age of 93. Among his numerous achievements as CMSAF, he played a significant role in the creation of the Air Force’s new maternity uniform and pushed for a policy change allowing junior enlisted Airmen undergoing a permanent change of station to transport their families at the government’s expense. (U.S. Air Force photo)Robert D. Gaylor, the fifth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, passed away Jan. 17, 2024, at the age of 93. Among his numerous achievements as CMSAF, he played a significant role in the creation of the Air Force’s new maternity uniform and pushed for a policy change allowing junior enlisted Airmen undergoing a permanent change of station to transport their families at the government’s expense. (U.S. Air Force photo)
                
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Air Force mourns 5th CMSAF passingPublished Jan. 17, 2024
                    
                    
                    Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
            **ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) --****Robert D. Gaylor**, the fifth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, **passed away** Jan. 17, at the age of 93.
Gaylor’s career spanned nearly 31 years, leaving a legacy of service, leadership and dedication.
"CMSAF Gaylor was a pillar of our Air Force,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force **JoAnne S. Bass**. “For more than 75 years, both in uniform and after he retired, he served our Airmen and the institution he loved so dearly. He will be deeply missed by all.”060202-F-JZ508-111.JPGRobert D. Gaylor, the fifth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, passed away Jan. 17, 2024, at the age of 93. Among his numerous achievements as CMSAF, he played a significant role in the creation of the Air Force’s new maternity uniform and pushed for a policy change allowing junior enlisted Airmen undergoing a permanent change of station to transport their families at the government’s expense. (U.S. Air Force photo)
            
            
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Among his numerous achievements as CMSAF, he played a significant role in the creation of the Air Force’s new maternity uniform and pushed for a policy change allowing junior enlisted Airmen undergoing a permanent change of station to transport their families at the government’s expense.
Gaylor enlisted in the Air Force in 1948, at a time when the service was still in its infancy. He began his career in the security police, continued to serve in a variety of assignments, including in Korea, Japan and Vietnam. He also served as an instructor at the Second Air Force Noncommissioned Officer Academy at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, assisted in reopening the then-Strategic Air Command NCO Academy, and established the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Command Management and Leadership Center.
Following his retirement in 1979, Gaylor never wavered in his commitment to the Air Force community, remaining actively involved with Airmen and their families through organizations, like the Air Force Memorial Foundation and the Air Force Sergeants Association. He continued to meet with Airmen for the remainder of his life, advocating tirelessly for the well-being and professional development of those who served.FS 



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