Photo By Airman 1st Class Tavian Sims | MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. — Dedicated crew chiefs(DCC) are adding to the...... read more read more
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MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. — Dedicated crew chiefs(DCC) are adding to the mission capability of the KC-46A Pegasus at McConnell Air Force Base.
As the Air Force moves into the future of refueling operations, the DCC program for McConnell Air Force Base unveils itself as a pivotal pillar of mission readiness and capability by naming their first ever DCCs for the KC-46 in base history. The program was launched in the summer with the most recent arrivals of KC-46s.
McConnell is currently home to the KC-135R Stratotanker and the KC-46A Pegasus. As DCCs, maintainers are assigned the sole responsibility of the health, readiness and capability of their specific jet. Selected based on technical expertise and leadership, DCCs handle all maintenance, inspections, and ensure their specific aircraft remains mission-ready. The names of the DCCs are also stenciled onto the main cabin inside the aircraft to show ownership and accountability. While dedication is a trait that all Airmen exemplify, dedicated crew chiefs characterize what it means to be a step above the rest.
“Being a dedicated crew chief, I want to make sure everything is perfect on the jet,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher Anderson, 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron DCC. “Having that pride in your jet really brings a lot to the job and makes me feel like I’m doing something worthwhile. As DCCs we’re always on top of our jet making sure it's good, and that in turn makes the health of the fleet better.”
In preparation for the fights and needs of tomorrow, McConnell will transition to only housing the KC-46 for its refueling mission. As the KC-46 ushers in the new age of refueling and mission capabilities, it will require Airmen who know what it takes to go above and beyond to succeed.
“To become a DCC, it depends on how other individuals in your shop are carrying your name in conversations based on your work ethic,” said Staff Sgt. Conner Walters, 22nd AMXS DCC manager. “We’re always going to shoot for our highest performers to become one.”
There are currently four DCCs split between two KC-46s and there are plans to create more within the program for the original jets and as the base gains additional KC-46s. As the number of jets increases, so will the needs of the mission. The DCC program requires dedicated individuals, as it is designed to streamline efficiency in the efforts to keep jets mission ready at all times.
“It comes down to fleet health,” said Anderson. “If we can’t get jets in the air gassing other jets, we can’t make the mission happen. With a bunch of DCCs, we can almost ensure that all the jets stay mission ready.”
The Air Force’s official mission promise is to deliver “airpower, anytime, anywhere.” The DCC program for McConnell serves as a step in the right direction, allowing highly dedicated individuals to be trusted and counted on to keep tankers in the air.
“It takes pride in your job, it’s living and breathing this job,” said Anderson. “Thats all it takes. Any crew chief could do it, but if you don’t have pride in your job, you can’t be dedicated to your job.”
| Date Taken: | 07.06.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 07.09.2026 13:58 |
| Story ID: | 569608 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 8 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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