The 142nd Wing held its first ever induction ceremony for Dedication Crew Chiefs (DCC). This was not just ceremonial, it signified the depth of work the maintainers do daily, ensuring the success and safety of the F-15EX and their pilots.
DCCs are system matter experts of their assigned aircraft. This ceremony celebrated the maintainers who manage every aspect of an aircraft's lifecycle, from scheduling maintenance and coordinating aircraft downtime to synchronizing maintenance actions with other shops. Through their actions, DCCs ensure mission readiness. The ceremony formally codified the trusted relationship between pilot, DCC, and aircraft.
While this commemorative effort is a long-standing tradition in active-duty realms, it was the first of its kind for the 142nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMXS).
The commander of the 142nd AMXS, Maj. Cassandra Herman emphasized the significance of the DCC role during the ceremony.
"To our new DCCs: you are not just assigned to an aircraft- you are LINKED to it. When that jet taxies, launches, and recovers, everyone knows who stood behind it and who maintained it because your name is tied to it. You are the historian of your aircraft. You are its advocate. You are the standard others will measure themselves against. Some days will be hard. Your jet will break. The pressure will feel high. But nobody will want to get the job done more than you."
During the ceremony, nine DCCs for the F-15EXs were formally recognized and received official crew jackets and patches from their respective pilots. Tech Sgt. Cody Peterson, DCC for Aircraft A1011, shared what the ceremony meant for him.
"It is important to preserve the heritage of our craft and an honor to be enshrined in Air Force history," said Peterson.
In closing, Maj. Herman highlighted the responsibility, pride, and duty the DCCs commit to themselves, the pilots, and the aircraft they maintain.
"...the EX represents the future of air dominance," said Maj. Herman. "However, these aircraft won't win wars, the people will. Today, we recognize the names on these aircraft not as a decoration, but as a promise that these jets will be cared for with pride."