Dedicated crew chiefs honored

  • Published
  • By Capt. Alysia Harvey
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Officers and senior NCOs assigned to the 748th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron recently honored a few of their distinguished Airmen, highlighting the excellence they exhibit in their day-to-day duties.

During a small ceremony, 24 maintainers were recognized as dedicated crew chiefs, and received a pair of personalized coveralls and certificate of recognition from their commander.

"We held this ceremony to recognize the significant accomplishment of being selected as the lead crew chief for one of our nation's premier, combat-proven, air superiority fighters," said Maj. Darrin Dronoff, 748th AMXS commander. "These Airmen have demonstrated their skills over several years and completed an in-depth certification program, so it is only right we recognize their accomplishments."

A DCC is responsible for all maintenance on the aircraft to which he is assigned. The DCC's name is painted on the side of that aircraft, illustrating his pride and dedication to that bird. Additionally, since it takes a large team of professionals to maintain each aircraft to the highest standards, DCCs are also required to be mentors, teachers, leaders and role models.

Fully understanding the prestige of this honor and ready to accept the responsibilities that come with the title, the Airmen being recognized beamed with pride as they stood at attention during the ceremony and recited together the words of the aviation mechanics creed.

"Upon my honor, I will hold in sacred trust, the rights and privileges conferred upon me...knowing full well that the safety and lives of others are dependent upon my skill and judgment," the DCCs said in unison. "I realize the grave responsibility that is mine...[and] I pledge unyielding adherence to these precepts for the advancement of aviation and the dignity of my profession."

After the event, one of the DCCs explained what this honor meant to him.

"To me, being a dedicated crew chief means that I have performed my job in a manner in which my supervisors trust that I can take care of my own $25 million jet and that I am a professional at my job," said Senior Airman Jason Abrian, 748th AMXS dedicated crew chief.

Capt. Taona Enriquez, 493rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit OIC, agreed with Airman Abrian, saying the term DCC is reserved for those who display only the highest levels of initiative, and demonstrate the management and leadership abilities necessary to maintain an aircraft in combat-ready status.

"A DCC's technical knowledge is above reproach and the resource most counted upon to ensure a fighter wing's combat readiness," said Capt. Enriquez. "When we select them to be DDCs, they know they are doing something special."

She went on to say service as a DCC is a unique responsibility since each pilot puts their full trust and confidence in their DCC to provide them with an aircraft that will get them home safely each and every time they go out on a mission.

"The thrill of seeing their aircraft rise into the air on another mission is evidence of a job well done and is only exceeded by its safe return," said Captain Enriquez. "From the time an Airmen enters technical training as an aircraft maintenance technician at Sheppard AFB, Texas, they strive to become the best DCC they can, and I would argue that DCCs are the most important role in air power."

Major Dronoff echoed the captain's sentiments and added that the pilot-DCC relationship has deep roots.

"The bond between the dedicated crew chief and their pilot has existed since we first took to the skies over Kitty Hawk, N.C.," said Major Dronoff. "The elite group of Airmen selected to be dedicated crew chiefs have the responsibility to ensure that their jet or helicopter is in the best possible condition and worthy to have their name placed upon it."

As a symbol of this special relationship, the pilots of the 493rd Fighter Squadron volunteered to pay for the embroidering on each of the coveralls given to the DCCs, said Major Dronoff.

The blue coverall is the unofficial uniform of the maintainer and the embroidered ones are meant to identify the DCCs as part of an elite team. Each coverall has their respective squadron, name and aircraft embroidered over the front pocket.

Major Dronoff said this type of ceremony has existed for quite some time in the Air Force but, due to frequent TDYs and deployments, this is the first time the unit has been able to conduct such a ceremony with the 493rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit for some time. He hopes to continue the ceremonies on a regular basis, hosting them several times per year.