Dedicated crew chiefs honored at ceremony

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Coleman
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The 354th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron inducted 21 crew chiefs into the Dedicated Crew Chief program Nov. 21, here. 

Crew chiefs are a vital part of the Air Force's mission and help keep its aircraft ready to fly and fight. These DCCs are considered by many to be the "face of maintenance".

DCCs are similar to Army platoon sergeants in the way that they are responsible for the people who work for them. However, they are also responsible for every maintenance action on a particular aircraft: all the paperwork and most importantly for the aircraft's mission readiness.

As first-level supervisors, dedicated crew chiefs are responsible for the management and supervision of all maintenance on their aircraft. They are accountable for servicing the aircraft, basic post-flight, pre-flight, thru-flight, and home station checks, and multiple inspections among other responsibilities.

"The pilot's life depends on each crew chief's mechanical abilities and integrity," said Master Sgt. Eric Watts, 354th AMXS Airframe and Powerplant General Flight Chief. "Being appointed means you have earned the trust of your leadership with the responsibility of a multi-million dollar asset."

DCCs are most often staff sergeants or higher and require one of two Air Force Specialty Codes. They are chosen based on their length of experience, initiative, management and leadership ability, and technical knowledge.

Taking in mind the extensive responsibilities and criteria, it becomes clear why being a DCC is such a highly regarded position.

Staff Sgt. Brock Schloemer, having been a DCC for a while, was hand-picked as a flagship DCC, his aircraft is flown by Brig. Gen. Mark Graper, 354th Fighter Wing commander, a privilege not to be taken lightly. 

"It's an honor to know that the work I put in to the job has paid off," said Sergeant Schloemer. "It feels good knowing that having a good attitude and working hard can provide opportunities such as working on the general's jet." 

Whether it's the wing commander's jet or a different one, all of the Airmen inducted have a reason to be proud. 

"Our DCCs lead the 354th AMXS maintenance effort to produce mission-ready aircraft," said Maj. Chris Boring, 354th AMXS Commander. "I couldn't be prouder of these young men being recognized today."

The following crew chiefs were recognized for their exceptional service and dedication to the mission, knowledge level and leadership skills which are all crucial to our F-16 mission here at Eielson.

DCC FOR THE 11th Air Force Flagship, AIRCRAFT 310 Staff Sgt. Christopher Orona
DCC FOR THE 354th Fighter Wing Flagship, AIRCRAFT 314 Staff Sgt. Brock Schloemer
DCC FOR THE 354th Operations Group Flagship, AIRCRAFT 335 Staff Sgt. Joe Hathaway
DCC FOR THE 18th Aggressors Flagship, AIRCRAFT 290 Senior Airman Colin Hunt
DCC FOR AIRCRAFT 268 Staff Sgt. Gerald Ingram
DCC FOR AIRCRAFT 270 Staff Sgt. Roger Baumann
DCC FOR AIRCRAFT 282 Staff Sgt. Daniel Kozlowski
DCC FOR AIRCRAFT 286 Staff Sgt. Donald Odell
DCC FOR AIRCRAFT 293 Staff Sgt. William Maro
DCC FOR AIRCRAFT 295 Staff Sgt. Joshua Justus
DCC FOR AIRCRAFT 298 Staff Sgt. Cameron Blackmer
DCC FOR AIRCRAFT 301 Staff Sgt. Brian Scozzaro
DCC FOR AIRCRAFT 304 Staff Sgt. Chadwick Meyers
DCC FOR AIRCRAFT 305 Staff Sgt. Michael Miller
DCC FOR AIRCRAFT 308 Staff Sgt. Joseph Quesenberry
DCC FOR AIRCRAFT 320 Staff Sgt. Christopher Harvey
DCC FOR AIRCRAFT 322 Staff Sgt. Ryan Smith
DCC FOR AIRCRAFT 351 Staff Sgt. Dustin Stewart
DCC FOR AIRCRAFT 366 Staff Sgt. Marshall Carruthers
DCC FOR AIRCRAFT 375 Staff Sgt. David Kessler
DCC FOR AIRCRAFT 378 Staff Sgt. Donald Lewis