The 14th chief master sergeant of the Air Force, Gerald R. Murray, announced plans to retire this summer after serving more than 28 years. Chief Murray has served as the chief master sergeant of the Air Force since July 1, 2002.

“I’ve grown up as an Airman,” Chief Murray said. “The Air Force has been a way of life for me for so long, I know it will be bittersweet to say farewell.

“I’ve been tremendously blessed in my personal and professional life and I owe a great deal to those Air Force leaders, mentors and peers who helped me throughout my career,” he said. “I have found that the Air Force has given back to my family and me 10 times what I have given to it, and I am truly grateful.”

Chief Murray enlisted in October 1977 from his Boiling Springs, N.C., hometown, but he feels the Air Force will always be something he calls home.

“I’m also grateful to have represented the best enlisted force in the world to our senior leaders, to Congress and to the American public,” Chief Murray said. “It’s truly been an honor to serve with such outstanding Airmen and great Americans. While my retirement will take me away from active duty status, I will always be an Airman.”

Chief Murray’s official retirement date is Oct. 1, but a formal ceremony and appointment for the 15th chief master sergeant of the Air Force is planned for June 30. The Air Force chief of staff selects the individual to fill the position of chief master sergeant of the Air Force. Each major command and direct reporting unit commander and deputy chiefs of staff can nominate potential successors from within their respective commands.