Chief Karie A. Contreras is the Command Chief, 482d Fighter Wing, Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla. In this capacity, she advises the commander on issues including readiness, training, professional development, force utilization, health, morale, and welfare of 2,500 total force personnel. She also serves as the commander’s representative on councils, boards, and selected events within the military and civilian communities.
Chief Contreras enlisted in the Air Force in January 1999. Throughout her career, she has served in Active Duty, Air Reserve Technician, and Traditional Reservist roles supporting C-130 E/H airlift and F-16 C/D tactical missions. She has experience in joint service operations and has participated in multiple joint interoperability exercises. Chief Contreras has deployed in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, NOBLE EAGLE, INHERENT RESOLVE, and FREEDOM’S SENTINEL.
EDUCATION
1999 Aerospace Maintenance Apprentice Course, Shepperd AFB, Texas
2002 Airman Leadership School, Little Rock AFB, Ark.
2007 Associate of Science, Aircraft Maintenance Technology, Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2007 Airframe & Powerplant License, FAA Certificate
2008 NCO Academy, Keesler AFB, Miss.
2008 Bachelor of Science, Professional Aeronautics, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Fla.
2008 Aviation Safety Certificate, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Fla.
2014 Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education (SEJPME I) course, by correspondence
2015 Senior NCO Academy, by correspondence
2016 Human Factors Incident Investigation Course, Delta Air Lines
2017 Master of Science, Aeronautics/Aviation Safety Systems, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Fla.
2020 Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education (SEJPME II) course, by correspondence
2019 Chief Master Sergeant Orientation Course, Robins AFB, Ga.
2021 Group Senior Enlisted Leader Course
2022 Chief Master Sergeant Leadership Course, Chief Master Sergeant Academy, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2023 Reserve Component National Security Course, National Defense University, Washington D.C.
2024 Eurasia Seminar, Alan L. Freed Associates, Capitol Hill Club, Washington, D.C.
2024 Enterprise Perspective Seminar, Alan L. Freed Associates, Capitol Hill Club, Washington, D.C.
2025 Senior Leader Security Seminar, Office of Special Investigations, Alton, Va.
ASSIGNMENTS or CAREER CHRONOLOGY
- August 1999 – December 2001, Crew Chief, C-130 AWADS, 37th Airlift Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany
- January 2002 – February 2004, Flying Crew Chief, 61st Airlift Squadron, Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.
- March 2004 – November 2007, Dedicated Crew Chief, 314th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Little Rock AFB, Ark.
- December 2007 – December 2008, Squadron Programs Manager, 314th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Little Rock AFB, Ark.
- January 2009 – September 2012, AMXS Craftsman, 94th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Dobbins ARB, Ga.
- October 2012 – December 2016, Aero Repair NCOIC, 94th Maintenance Squadron, Dobbins ARB, Ga.
- January 2017 – July 2017, Interim First Sergeant, 94th Maintenance Squadron, Dobbins ARB, Ga.
- August 2017 – September 2018, Aero Repair NCOIC, 94th Maintenance Squadron, Dobbins ARB, Ga.
- October 2018 – September 2021, Superintendent, 94th Maintenance Squadron, Dobbins ARB, Ga.
- October 2021 – June 2023, Senior Enlisted Leader, 482nd Maintenance Group, Homestead ARB, Fla.
- June 2023 – July 2025, Command Chief, 944th Fighter Wing, Luke AFB, Ari.
- July 2025 - Present, Command Chief, 482d Fighter Wing, Homestead ARB, Fla.
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters Air Medal
Air Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters
Air Force Achievement Medal
(Current as of July 2025)