1st SOMXG crew chiefs show off skills

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Christopher Callaway
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
Airmen stand at parade rest as three senior enlisted members approach. Before the crew chiefs can say hello the Airmen are already being inspected and judged based on their professionalism and appearance; especially the multi-million dollar aircraft that is parked behind them.

The 1st Special Operations Maintenance Group leadership challenged their chew chiefs through a series of tasks to see who would take home the Dedicated Crew Chief award.

A Dedicated Crew Chief award is presented to the most outstanding crew chief in the 1st Special Operations Wing. The winner is chosen based on leadership ability, technical knowledge, professionalism and outstanding performance.

Senior Enlisted members asked multiple questions regarding the proper regulations of aircraft maintenance to what technical order aircraft tire pressure could be found. They judged based on the professionalism and knowledge each Airman showed during the question and answer process.

"It is the DCC's responsibility to make sure they are knowledgeable of the technical orders," Davis said. "We want to make sure they know the TO's and Air Force Standards so they can safely and effectively maintain the 1st SOW mission."

The Dedicated Crew Chief program is a 1st Special Operations Maintenance Group initiative to assign a maintainer to a designated aircraft to provide continuity of aircraft forms, aircraft status, scheduled maintenance and aircraft appearance standards.

The judges of the competition were met by representatives from the 4th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, 9th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, 15th Aircraft Maintenance Unit and the 8th Aircraft Maintenance Unit.

"I've done this competition before and I believe it really helps the maintainers stay on task and focused," said Tech Sgt. Orion O'Neil, 1st Special Operations Maintenance Operations Squadron Quality Assurance chief inspector. "The DCC's take pride in their aircraft and ensuring it can fly every day."

When crew chiefs are not being challenged in competition they can be found on the flightline working hard to ensure their planes are ready for anything.

The DCC's accompany their aircraft through scheduled inspections and assist the inspection dock NCOIC as needed with required documents and validations at the end of the inspection.

They are also required to ensure the aircraft has the established wing paint scheme, unit standards, MAJCOM directives and exterior finishes and markings such as their name and rank being stenciled on the Aircraft as applicable to USAF aircraft.

"Every DCC wants the honor of representing their AMU and squadron for this competition," Davis said. "The DCC award recognizes the crew chief that is the very best at accomplishing the mission."

The winner of the competition will be presented an award on Aug. 14, at the 1st SOMXG conference room at 10:00 A.M.