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69th Maintenance Squadron holds first-ever dedicated crew chief ceremony

Members of the 69th Reconnaissance Group congratulate more than a dozen crew chiefs from the 69th Maintenance Squadron, who received their distinctive black coveralls after earning their new titles of dedicated crew chiefs (DCC) during a special ceremony, which took place Aug. 5, 2013, in one of the hangars at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. The title of DCC and the black coveralls officially acknowledges that an individual is a maintenance expert on their respective aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Susan Davis)

69th Maintenance Squadron holds first-ever dedicated crew chief ceremony

More than a dozen crew chiefs from the 69th Maintenance Squadron, stand at attention as they prepare to be officially named dedicated crew chiefs (DCC) during a special ceremony, which took place Aug. 5, 2013, in one of the hangar at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. The title of DCC and the black coveralls officially acknowledges that an individual is a maintenance expert on their respective aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Susan Davis)

69th Maintenance Squadron holds first-ever dedicated crew chief ceremony

Published Aug. 15, 2013
By Staff Sgt. Susan L. Davis
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AFB, N.D. -- The 69th Maintenance Squadron recognized their first-ever group of dedicated crew chiefs in a ceremony Aug. 5, 2013, acknowledging them as maintenance experts on their respective aircraft.

During the ceremony, DCCs were each assigned an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or ground control component. They were also paired up with a pilot assigned to each asset.

DCCs are the focal point of all maintenance and records for each individual aircraft. The DCC is the last aircraft maintenance technician the pilot sees before taking off, and the first one on the spot when the aircraft returns to its parking location.

More than a dozen 69th MXS crew chiefs were chosen by their leaders based on their initiative, technical knowledge and demonstrated leadership qualities to don the distinctive black coveralls marked with the squadron insignia on the right, and the DCC patch on the left.

Senior Master Sgt. Michael Hermann, 69th Production Lead superintendent, as well as a former DCC himself, administered the charge, calling on the newly-minted DCCs to keep meticulous maintenance records; to train, lead, mentor and set the standard for assistant crew chiefs; further their own technical knowledge and education; and apply the Air Force Core Values in day-to-day maintenance.

Maj. Stacey Ferguson, 69th Maintenance Squadron commander, offered a few remarks following the DCC charge.

"These dedicated crew chiefs know that what they do is not just a way to make a living," she said. "They are devoted to their craft. They are just the newest in a long line of many who have come before them. You are the leaders I rely upon to set the bar high--continue to be bold, be decisive, and be dedicated as you go forward."

Staff Sgt. Ryan Cole, one of the honorees, said the ceremony also serves as a motivator for junior Airmen aspiring to become dedicated crew chiefs themselves.

"It's a great feeling knowing you're among the top maintainers in your unit, and inspiring young Airmen to be what they want to become," he said. "The DCCs are the ones who perform the most maintenance, ensure that everything is done correctly, and are held to the highest standards. DCCs are like the gold medalists of the maintainer world."