Wing flagship gets new DCC

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Wesley Wright
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The 5th Bomb Wing flagship now has a new dedicated crew chief.

Staff Sgt. Kess Holmes, 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, was awarded the coveted position during a ceremony here Jan. 29.

The wing flagship is the 5th Bomb Wing commader, Col. Joel Westa's B52H Stratofortress and represents Colonel Westa and the 5th Bomb Wing wherever it goes. It bears Colonel Westa's name and the name of his dedicated crew chief.

"I had mixed feelings at first," said Sergeant Holmes. "Originally, I was the dedicated crew chief for the 5th Operations Group flagship and had been for almost 3 years. As a DCC, you become so familiar with a jet it's easy to actually develop an attachment to the aircraft. However, I'm much honored to be assigned to the jet that represents the entire wing."

Sergeant Holmes's pride in being assigned to the wing flagship was shared by its commander, Colonel Westa.

"I am very proud of the Flagship," the commander said. "It is a truly beautiful aircraft, and it represents our Wing and myself well wherever it goes. That being said, as I look out at our fleet, I am incredibly proud at the way all of our BUFFs are maintained--they all look great and I am amazed at the mission capable rates that our maintainers are able to post."

According to Senior Master Sgt. Michael Bjorn, 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron section chief, being the DCC is a prestigious position, one for which Sergeant Holmes is well qualified.

"This is a very high profile position so only the best and most professional crew chiefs names are forwarded for consideration," Sergeant Bjorn said. "Sergeant Holmes will be responsible for all maintenance and inspections required on his aircraft, plus he will be dealing with the wing commander whenever he flies and will be representing his fellow crew chiefs."

Sergeant Holmes is taking his new assignment seriously and appreciates the perks that come with being the flagship DCC.

"One of the neat things about being a DCC is having your name on the side of a jet," he said. "This is a really huge honor and it is something that the DCC takes very seriously. For this reason, new Airmen assigned to my jet must score a 90% or better on their Career Development Course end of course examination to get their name on it."

Colonel Westa said he is very proud of his new dedicated crew chief and has the utmost confidence in him.
"[His selection] tells me his leadership has great confidence in his ability with the jet, and also with his ability to put up with me flying his jet," Colonel Westa said. "I think the second part of that equation will be the toughest."

Sergeant Holmes wanted to express thanks to his wife, Genevia, his immediate supervisor and squadron commander, Lt. Col. John Cartwright and his assistant DCC, Airman 1st Class Caroline Kraus for all their help.