Best of the best: 5th MXG inducts dedicated crew chiefs

  • Published
  • By Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The 5th Maintenance Group recognized 27 outstanding Airmen during the Dedicated Crew Chief induction ceremony held at Minot Air Force Base's Hanger 1, Nov. 30.

The ceremony was part of a time-honored tradition that recognizes and inducts the highest quality maintenance professionals into the prestigious DCC program.

The DCCs and assistant DCCs were chosen through a vigorous selection process. They are expected to be professional, exhibit perseverance, sustain superior performance and to take pride in all facets inherent to the responsibility of the position.

The program is derived from Air Force Instruction 21-101, paragraph 4.8.3. The objective of the program is to directly assign a maintenance person to each aircraft in order to provide continuity and accuracy of aircraft forms, aircraft status, scheduled maintenance and improve aircraft appearance.

In addition to aircraft technician responsibilities, DCCs also accompany their aircraft through scheduled inspections and assist the inspection dock noncommissioned officer in charge, as needed. They also assist the dock NCOIC in completing the required document review and validation at the end of the inspection.

However, beyond the written AFIs lies the spirit and long-standing tradition between DCCs, their assistants, pilots and aircrews alike. There is a unique camaraderie, esprit de corps and trusting relationship that has existed between the pilot and crew chiefs for years.

It takes both the pilot aircrew and the crew chief for an aircraft to take flight and ultimately bring the fight to the enemy. While the enemy may be afraid of the plane and its capabilities, both offensive and defensive, it is the DCC and assistant who maintain that aircraft, salute, and signal a "thumbs up" to the pilot, letting him know the aircraft is ready to deliver that fear.

During the ceremony, the new DCCs took an oath which solidified their commitment to upholding the high standards of the DCC. They also received their aircrew name patch of their respective squadron, their David Clark headset, DCC coveralls and a 7-level pen. Furthermore, each DCC received a $200 coupon book from Emery Embry Riddle Aeronautical University to continue with their vocational learning.

As a testament to how dedicated these Airmen are, Minot AFB's crew chiefs embodied the motto of "Only the Best Come North", by winning Best Bomber Crew Chiefs for both the conventional and nuclear categories at this year's Air Force Global Strike Challenge.

When it comes to doing their job day in and day out, Minot's DCCs definitely OWN IT!