What is the dedicated crew chief program?

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Since November, the Barksdale Warrior has had a front page info graphic called "2 BW Dedicated Crew Chief program update."

The weekly section recognizes B-52H Stratofortress dedicated crew chiefs who have the best on-time aircraft take-off rates and had the least amount of maintenance issues and discrepancies. BUFF of the Month is also listed to give recognition to the crew which maintains the B-52 with the least mechanical issues.

"The Dedicated Crew Chief program is designed to directly assign three maintenance personnel to each aircraft," said Tech. Sgt. Christopher Smith, 20th Aircraft Maintenance Unit assistant section chief. "It provides continuity and accuracy of aircraft forms, aircraft status, scheduled maintenance and improved aircraft appearance."

Crew chiefs are assigned their own B-52 and accompany it through various inspections. They also manage and supervise any maintenance performed on their aircraft.

"This program was designed to promote pride in ownership, instill camaraderie and create a healthy competition among crew chiefs and other AMUs," said Smith. "The friendly 'competition' of whose aircraft is cleaner, looks better and flies better has stretched not only unit-wide but squadron-wide as well."

The crew chiefs also compete against other Air Force Global Strike Command bases during the Global Strike Challenge. These programs help the crew chiefs stay motivated and focused on perfection, ensuring they are prepared for the annual competition.

"The DCCs sharpen their maintenance experience, performing the tasks better, faster and with higher quality," Smith said.

The DCC crew's aircraft is assessed on a few categories each month, and only one BUFF is recognized as the best.

"The BUFF of the Month program weighs the aircraft's mission capable rate, overall appearance, fewest number of aircraft crew chief delayed discrepancies, and the appearance and accuracy of the aircraft forms," Smith said. "Unit supervision will select their best crew and aircraft to compete at the squadron level."

Once the squadron receives all of the nominees, leadership decides who wins BUFF of the Month and forwards the results to the 2 AMXS commander, said Senior Master Sgt. David Bennett, 2 AMXS assistant superintendent.

"The commander announces the results to the 2 AMXS and congratulates the winner with a coin and one-day pass," he said.

This program allows Team Barksdale to see how base aircraft and DCC crews are performing each week and who stands out above the rest, earning front-page recognition.