49th AMXS appoints 18 dedicated crew chiefs

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sondra Escutia
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Eighteen aircraft maintainers raised their right hand and agreed to abide by the Dedicated Crew Chief Charter during an appointment ceremony Dec. 4, making them official dedicated crew chiefs on Holloman F-22A Raptors.

The dedicated crew chiefs, all from the 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, are now responsible for maintenance on their respective aircraft and their names will be painted on them, illustrating each dedicated crew chief's pride and dedication.

"Commitment, initiative, responsibility for combat readiness, leadership and trust are not just expectations for the dedicated crew chiefs," said Maj. Steve Collen, 49th AMXS commander, during the ceremony. "They are characteristics that set them apart."

The 49th Fighter Wing commander, Col. Jeff Harrigian, also had a few words for the maintainers.

"Not many people in our Air Force get to be dedicated crew chiefs on the F-22A Raptor," he said. "This is an honor and with it comes responsibility."

As an F-22 pilot himself, he relies on the dedicated crew chief to ensure the Raptor he flies, along with all Holloman aircraft, are airworthy. In that respect, he relayed his expectations.

Colonel Harrigian said he expects dedicated crew chiefs to know their pilots; know their jet inside and out; be a professional everyday; and mentor those below them.

"I need you to help me raise those guys to the next level so when you move on, they're ready to go ... anywhere, anytime, combat-ready. That's how we win wars," said the 49th FW commander. "As one team, we will work together to deliver the mission for the 49th Fighter Wing and for the Air Force."

Col. Donald Van Patten, 49th Maintenance Group commander, offered his closing remarks and congratulations to the new dedicated crew chiefs.

"You have a lot of responsibility ahead of you," he said. "As you press forward, I wish you all the best in your days ahead as you strive to produce combat sorties."

Holloman's newly-appointed dedicated crew chiefs are:

Staff Sgt. Matthew Lohman
Staff Sgt. Scott Mitchell
Staff Sgt. Zachary Holden
Staff Sgt. Mitchell Higgins
Staff Sgt. Fredrick Koval
Staff Sgt. Mark Leger
Staff Sgt. Victor Marquez
Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Hollingsworth
Staff Sgt. Sara Scarborough
Staff Sgt. Christine Ray
Staff Sgt. Karim Alshaikhly
Senior Airman Kyle Serrats
Senior Airman David Nash
Senior Airman Audrey Howell
Staff Sgt. Zachary Braddock
Staff Sgt. Spencer Coleman
Tech. Sgt. Timothy Kennedy
Staff Sgt. Chad Gates