JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
"The tradition of being a dedicated crew chief comes from a long line of enlisted master technicians who have passed on their heritage of unwavering devotion, loyalty and pride concerning their craft. By accepting this, you are hereby bound to live by and conform to the following charges," states the Crew Chief Charge.
437th Airlift Wing leadership honored more than 50 Airmen during a Dedicated Crew Chief ceremony July 10 at Joint Base Charleston - Air Base.
"A dedicated crew chief is responsible for all the maintenance on the aircraft to which he or she is assigned," said Master Sgt. Aaron Moutray, 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron section chief.
This ceremony formally assigned the hardworking, the most deserving, qualified people to a permanent aircraft.
During the ceremony, the crew chiefs were presented their aircraft assignments and were awarded a certificate by Col. James Clavenna, 437th Maintenance Group commander. Chief Master Sgt. Steven Windorf, 437th MXG superintendent, also presented each Airman with their own personalized DCC coveralls, which includes their name, tail number and squadron.
"These Airmen will now be the experts on their appointed aircrafts," said Master Sgt. Kyle Skidmore, 437th AMXS Airplane General Element chief. "They will be expected to be aware of what is going on with their particular aircraft. They are also expected to make sure that the work is being accomplished in a timely manner and to coordinate with outside agencies to ensure timely maintenance."
"To generate airlift is why we exist," said Clavenna. "One of the keys is having dedicated folks. Leadership has selected these few Airmen and have entrusted them to be a DCC for that aircraft. This ceremony is just a compliment to their skills."
While most wings display their DCC names on plaques inside the aircraft, the 437th AW displays them differently.
"On the C-17 Globemaster III here, the DCC's names can be viewed on the outside of the aircraft," said Moutray. "We felt it was important to get their names on the outside of our aircraft to help instill that pride of ownership in maintaining their aircraft."
"Being appointed as a DCC gives me an opportunity to put my maintenance skills up against the best aircraft maintainers at Joint Base Charleston," said Staff Sgt. Channon Barton, 437th AMXS dedicated crew chief.
At the end of the ceremony, these Airmen were bound to live by and conform to the following charges: "maintaining your aircraft in accordance with strict adherence to technical data to the best of your abilities; training, mentoring, leading and setting the standard for your assistant crew chief; never letting your integrity be compromised; providing the safest jet possible, one that you yourself would not hesitate to fly in; striving to produce the best aircraft possible without regard for personal gain or comfort."