Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ – Edison resident Dave Tingle has achieved a significant milestone in his military career, reaching the highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force – Chief Master Sergeant. This accomplishment places him among the top 1% of the enlisted force, highlighting his exceptional leadership, dedication, and expertise.
Chief Dave Tingle, a familiar face in the community as the Commander of the Edison American Legion Post 435 and also a Lieutenant in the Edison Police Department is currently serving as the senior enlisted leader for the 87th Security Forces Squadron at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL). In this role, he is responsible for the readiness and well-being of all security personnel, ensuring the safety and security of the base and its assets.
In this role, he acts as the principal advisor to the commander on all matters concerning over 460 Airmen, Sailors, and Department of Defense civilians. His responsibilities extend beyond the squadron, providing counsel to the Defense Force Commander on security operations for the entire base. JBMDL encompasses a vast 44,000 acres, supports 52,000 personnel, and manages $9.2 billion in resources, highlighting the significance of Chief Tingle’s position.
“All this wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my wife Megan, daughter Taylor and son Austin who have really been the ones who have sacrificed the most allowing me to continue to serve” said Chief Tingle.
Chief Tingle continued “I am Honored to have been selected not only as a Chief but filling the role of an Active Duty Senior Enlisted Leader for one of the busiest law enforcement missions in the Air Force. It has been an exciting new opportunity for me to bring my civilian and military experience together to shape our future defenders and law enforcement officers. With the state of the world, I feel confident with my level of combat deployment experience, we can ensure we are training and equipping our defenders to provide world wide force protection in support of our nation and it’s allies”
Chief Tingle’s extensive experience makes him uniquely qualified for this leadership role. He manages manpower across a wide range of security operations, including military working dog handling, security forces training, police services, and anti-terrorism initiatives. He also develops joint security standards, cultivates a strong defender culture, and oversees multi-service and civilian programs.
Chief Tingle enlisted in the Air Force in 1996 and served on active duty until 2001, with assignments in California, Turkey, and North Carolina. Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, he joined the Air Force Reserves in 2001. His commitment to service is evident in his deployments supporting Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, Freedom’s Sentinel, Allies Welcome, Eastern Med, and Juniper Micron. He also played a crucial role in relief efforts for Joint Task Force Katrina, Hurricane Irma, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chief Tingle’s dedication, leadership, and extensive experience make him a valuable asset to the Air Force and a source of pride for the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst community.
