JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
The 192nd Wing, Virginia Air National Guard, recognized 11 Airmen with the 192nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 192nd Operations Group, for their technical knowledge, initiative and leadership during a Dedicated Crew Chief ceremony Nov. 16, 2024, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Virginia.
Crew chiefs are the unknown names and unseen faces behind the operational readiness of some of the United States Air Force's greatest assets. Their commitment to their pilot, aircraft and mission keeps them on the flight line in freezing snow, blazing heat and everything in between.
"Think of our wartime heroes Gabreski, Jabara and Scott and all the acclaim that they got. Can you tell me the names of their crew chiefs? A thousand to one you cannot."
This passage comes from the poem "Remembering the Forgotten Mechanic." While the author of this classic poem is unknown, the sentiment is not.
The select group of DCCs earned the distinct honor of having primary responsibility over an assigned F-22 Raptor aircraft. This distinction creates consistency between the crew chief and the pilot, who is also assigned to the jet, and demonstrates a high level of trust between the two.
"Their normal day-to-day operations will get them dirty, greasy, moody and flat-out tired," said ceremony emcee Staff Sgt. Megan Ewton, 192nd AMXS tactical aircraft maintenance specialist and DCC. "They are an elite group, each one proud of their aircraft."
During the ceremony, 192nd Wing pilots recognized the commitment of their DCC and assistant DCC. Each received a certificate and a personalized wheel chock bearing their name, rank and aircraft number. In addition, they were previously honored with the unveiling of their names proudly displayed on their assigned aircraft, alongside the name of their pilot.
"The tradition of being a DCC comes from a long line of enlisted master technicians who have passed on their heritage of unwavering devotion, loyalty and pride concerning their craft," said Chief Master Sgt. Alan Bethea, 192nd AMXS senior enlisted leader.
Bethea charged them with always leading by example and setting the highest standard for their ADCC, reminding them to never waiver on their integrity and to always provide the safest jet possible, one they would never hesitate to fly in.
When asked if they were ready to accept the charge, he was met with a unanimous and enthusiastic, "Yes, Chief!"
With their new titles and responsibilities, these DCCs stand ready to carry forward the legacy of those who came before them, ensuring that the U.S. Air Force's most advanced aircraft remain mission-ready, even in the most challenging conditions.