Holloman names newest, last F-117A dedicated crew chiefs

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jamal Sutter
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron honored eight Airmen Dec. 7, 2007, during the Dedicated Crew Chief Appointment Ceremony.

"Each aircraft is a critical asset. In order to keep each of the aircraft ready to destroy our enemy's war-fighting capability and to bring our pilots home safely, a Dedicated Crew Chief, or DCC, is assigned to each aircraft," said Senior Master Sgt. Kathy Harmon, lead superintendent, 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "He or she manages and supervises the maintenance on his or her aircraft and provides continuity by tracking aircraft forms, aircraft status, and scheduled and unscheduled maintenance."

Those honored at the ceremony from the 8th Aircraft Maintenance Unit were Douglas Wilderotter, 791; Joseph Martinez, 804: Travis Schadeg, 814: and Steven Utter, 840. Those from 9th AMU were Elliot Allen, 796; Eric Ramos, 799; Karim Alshaikhly, 812; and Daniel Bauersmith, 839.

A Dedicated Crew Chief is chosen based on their proven initiative, management and leadership ability, and technical knowledge. The selectee must be at least a staff sergeant from the 2A3X3 career field, but the Maintenance Group commander can waive the rank requirement and other aircraft maintenance AFSCs, Sergeant Harmon said.

The Airmen honored were the last F-117A crew chiefs to be named Dedicated Crew Chiefs before its retirement.

"We will be flying the F-117A until April 2008," Sergeant Harmon said. "Our aircraft maintenance is just as important now as it ever was during full F-117A operations. Our DCCs will continue to keep their aircraft safe and reliable until the final jet is safely in its retirement location."

Many DCCs will become qualified on the F-22A once it arrives at Holloman. However, some will move to Langley to work on the Raptor, while others will PCS to fill spots at other stateside and overseas assignments.

Though the eight new DCCs are proud of their accomplishment, there were some mixed emotions about this career milestone. 

"It's nice to finally be the DCC on a jet but at the same time, I don't want to see the jet go," said Sergeant Bauersmith. "Being one of the last eight is not doing it for me. I don't want to be one of the last."