TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Recently a new competition, called Dedicated Maintenance Team, has been put into place at Tyndall by the 325th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.
This new program was made in hopes to replace the Dedicated Crew Chief Program in order to recognize not only crew chiefs, but specialist as well.
“The intent behind the program is to provide continuity and instill pride and ownership in assigned aircraft,” said Chief Master Sgt. Brent Salvadori, 325th Maintenance Group superintendent. “This concept worked well for fourth generation aircraft [like theF-15 Eagle’s, F-4 Phantom’s and F-16 Fighting Falcon’s,]. However, with our state-of-the-art fifth generation aircraft such as the F-22 Raptors and F-35s Lightning II’s, we need to change our mindset from a traditional DCC program, to one that recognizes the efforts of our avionics, electrics and environmental professionals -- the flight line specialists.”
This quarterly event will focus on six categories: aircraft cleanliness, maintainer knowledge of aircraft systems and dress and appearance, accuracy of aircraft forms, tool kit discrepancies and aircraft discrepancies.
“Traditionally, crew chiefs have always been recognized by various competitions and awards. It's time for a change,” Salvadori said. “To my specialists on the flight line, now is your time to stand up and be recognized. Just understand, with the reward comes expectation. I want to see all of you continue to challenge one another and strive to become the next AMXS DMT of the Quarter winners.”
The competition pins the 325th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 43rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit and 95th AMU against one another. Each team will include a dedicated crew chief, assistant dedicated crew chief and specialist assigned to an aircraft.
Salvadori said through initiatives like this, the 325th MXG sets itself apart from other Raptor and fifth generation units.
“This is what makes us AWESOME,” he added. “Always With Excellence Supporting Our Mission Everyday.”