Wright-Patt celebrates newest Senior Master Sergeant selects Published March 10, 2026 By Daniel Peterson 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The Air Force announced its newest senior master sergeant selects – and the list includes 23 from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Unit leaders, family members, and the base community gathered March 6 to celebrate the newest selectees during a release party at the Wright-Patt Community Center. U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Tessa Fontaine, 88 Air Base Wing command chief, congratulated all selectees and recognized all in attendance. “We know that promotion to this is a team event. We got supervisors here, we got friends, we got family, and the Airmen who execute the mission these senior NCOs lead. This is a great time to come together and celebrate,” Fontaine said. “To make it to senior master sergeant takes dedication. You cannot get to this point without dedicating yourself to the Air Force.” U.S. Air Force Col. Dustin Richards, 88th Air Base Wing and installation commander, gives closing remarks during the Senior Master Sgt. release party at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, March 6, 2026. Wright-Patt leadership, family, and friends joined to honor the newest SMSgt selects. (U.S. Air Force photo by Daniel Peterson) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Col. Dustin Richards, 88 ABW and installation commander, added his congratulations and motivational remarks towards the end of the formal celebration. “Enjoy this moment and be ready to put in the work, because we didn’t promote you for the things you did as a master sergeant, or tech sergeant, or staff sergeant, or as an airman. We promoted you for the things you’re going to do as a senior master sergeant on your way continuing to progress,” Richards said. “Thank you for everything you have done, but more importantly, thank you for what you are going to do, because we need you now more than ever in the times we are facing. Congratulations again!” This year's promotion cycle, Air Force officials selected 1,474 master sergeants for promotion out of 13,315 eligibles for a selection rate of 11.07 percent. Photos from the event can be found here: