crew chief

Senior Airman John Gonzales, 748th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 56th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, prepares AGE equipment for operation. Senior Airman Gonzales was nominated for the Liberty Spotlight by his chain of command because of his excellent maintenance support. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Connor Estes)

Meet your local crew chief, Senior Airman J.P. Gonzales

Published Jan. 27, 2010

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --
Name: Senior Airman John Paul Gonzales

Aircraft Assigned: HH-60G Pave Hawk

Squadron/Unit: 748th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 56th Aircraft Maintenance Unit

Hometown: Cicero, Ill.

Why did you join the Air Force?
To travel and see the world.

What do you like most about being a crew chief?
When I get my hands dirty while fixing a helicopter.

What has been your most rewarding moment as a Crew Chief?
Launching out the 56th Aircraft Maintenance Unit's first long distance rescue in England.

For the commander

Why did you nominate this person?
J.P. Gonzales is one of my leading senior airmen. When the unit was deployed he traveled to numerous forward operating bases to provide maintenance support during medevac flights for key joint force operations. His contributions in fixing aircraft led to a 95-percent mission capable rate and allowed the unit to save eight lives and provided critical medical attention to 72 personnel.