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JBSA News
NEWS | Feb. 17, 2021

Air Force first sergeant selected for Navy leadership course

By Andrew C. Patterson 502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

The U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy has selected Air Force Master Sgt. Matthew Hernandez, first sergeant with the 502nd Communications Squadron, to attend an 11-week program dedicated to developing adaptive, ethical leaders and preparing them for greater responsibilities. 

The academy’s academic programming provides senior enlisted personnel with a solid understanding of national security strategy, joint force operations and leadership skills. Coursework focuses on communication, management, ethics and mission accomplishment in a global environment.

Hernandez, a former security forces member, spent 11 years as a military working dog handler, with four of those years as a course instructor. He was also an executive assistant for the command senior enlisted leader for U.S. Space Command.

"My reaction after hearing I was selected was shock! With COVID-19, the Navy was the only service accepting applicants," Hernandez said. "Less than approximately 36 Airmen in previous years received a seat in this sister service school."

When asked why courses like this are important to Air Force leaders, Hernandez said “it provides a unique viewpoint from a sister services' perspective. I am fortunate to have served in joint positions and enjoy learning about the other services." 

“The goal of Navy SEA is to develop agile, adaptive military professionals who inspire their teams to perform at higher levels. Hernandez has been a key feature of my leadership team for over a year,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Waddell, 502nd CS commander. “His ability to take care of our people, provide leadership with sound advice, and coordinate support with our JBSA mission partners proves he has what it takes to be successful in this sister service school. His attendance will strengthen his skill sets and will serve him well as he continues his Air Force career.”

A leader that made a significant impact on Hernandez was his former supervisor, Chief Master Sgt. Roger Towberman, senior enlisted advisor for the U.S. Space Force.

"He believes in taking care of Airmen and building trust with them,” Hernandez said of Towberman. “I can't count how many times I’ve heard him say ‘trust me’ to people. Trust is a hard thing to come by, so I try to earn and protect the trust that is given to me.

"Do good things because it’s the right thing to do, and opportunities like this school or rank will come to you," Hernandez advised. "Keep learning. A good barometer of how much you know is if people are coming to you for advice. If no one is, then you’re not regarded as an expert," he continued.

“The process for selection has become more competitive over the years, so his selection is a tremendous accomplishment and a testament to his outstanding wingmen and leadership teams for their support,” said Brig. Gen. Caroline Miller, 502nd Air Base Wing & Joint Base San Antonio commander, in an email congratulating Hernandez.

"Being a leader is hard and there’s a reason there are thousands of leadership books out there. If I had to guess one of my traits, I’d have to say compassion. When an Airman is in trouble, sometimes as a first sergeant, you’re their only advocate. A strength of mine is thoughtfulness: I like to think things through to make sure I have all my bases covered," Hernandez said.

Hernandez, a native of California, joined the Air Force due to not liking school and feeling he wasn't ready for college. He recently completed a master’s degree from the University of Charleston, West Virginia, setting an example for his family and children.