The 96th Maintenance and Operations Group members stand at attention during the National Anthem during the Dedicated Crew Chief ceremony July 23 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Approximately 25 maintainers and pilots participated in this annual ceremony that officially connects the Airman with the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — “The title of dedicated crew chief is not an Air Force specialty and holding it is a privilege.”
Approximately 25 96th Maintenance Group Airmen heard these words minutes before accepting the oath and becoming a dedicated crew chief to a 96th Test Wing or 53rd Wing F-15 or F-16.
Chief Master Sgt. Ryan Edwards, 96th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron superintendent, who said those words, also recited the oath to the new DCCs at a ceremony here July 23. The ceremony revived the DCC program as the ceremony was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19.
The DCC program objective is to assign a maintenance Airman to each aircraft to provide continuity and accuracy of aircraft forms, status, scheduled maintenance and improve aircraft appearance.
It’s an optional program approved by the maintenance group commander and held in high regard among maintenance professionals.
“It (the DCC title) is reserved for those who display the initiative, management and leadership ability necessary to maintain an aircraft in a mission-ready status,” said Edwards when speaking about what it takes to be a DCC.
During the ceremony, the newly-named DCCs received a new set of coveralls and a large commemorative wrench. They are also greeted by and render a salute to the dedicated pilot of their aircraft.
“To the DCCs, everything you do out there every day in the hot, cold, rain, you put it on the line to get these pilots in the air in a safe and reliable aircraft,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Goshorn, 96th AMXS commander, in closing remarks.
“It’s those actions that make this mission happen day in and day out.”
Story by Samuel King Jr.
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