Dedicated crew chiefs maintain mission success

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shane M. Phipps
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  This is part one of a three part series on jobs critical to flight operations.

The Air Force often works as a well-oiled machine consisting of multiple individuals working in various Air Force specialty codes with one common goal -- mission success.

Many AFSCs have a direct impact toward the war effort, yet are consistently overlooked and underappreciated. The F-15E dedicated crew chiefs at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, are no exception.

"The jets don't leave the ground until we say it's ok," said U.S. Staff Sgt. Randy Drake, dedicated crew chief with the 391st Aircraft Maintenance Unit. "We have a hand in every aspect of these aircraft and nothing goes on without us knowing."

The crew chief's world revolves around maintenance. They are constantly inspecting their aircraft and ensuring every part is fully operational.

"I enjoy the maintenance portion of being a crew chief," Drake said. "Our job is different every day, but our primary objective is to finish the maintenance for that day so the jets can smoothly get airborne the next day and the mission continues."

Along with shouldering the responsibility of how their work directly impacts mission success, the crew chiefs also face unique obstacles when it comes to weather conditions.

"We start our day by trying to predict the weather so we can appropriately prepare," said Senior Airman Brandon Hollingsworth, 391st AMU dedicated crew chief. "Every kind of weather gear is in my locker, ready to go at a moment's notice."

Working in adverse weather conditions is nothing new to the crew chiefs here.

"Last year, I was getting pelted in the face with snow trying to make sure everything with the aircraft was safe," Hollingsworth said. "You take each day as it comes. Today is raining and tomorrow it could be snowing, so you really have to love what you do."

The crew chiefs are not shy when it comes to their pride in what they do.

"Without the crew chiefs the jets aren't flying; and if the jets aren't flying, there is no Air Force," Drake said.