CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- A maintenance squadron assigned to the 27th Special Operations Wing recently reinstated its Dedicated Crew Chief program, rebuilding a maintenance initiative designed to foster aircraft maintenance ownership, strengthen mentorship, and enhance mission readiness.
DCCs are responsible for maintenance, inspections and documentation of their assigned aircraft. In addition to maintaining aircraft health, they are also expected to mentor junior maintainers and help develop the next generation of DCCs.
“As a dedicated crew chief, you don’t chase the recognition — you quietly master and pridefully master of your craft,” said a dedicated crew chief in the squadron. “Every inspection, every adjustment, every launch reflects a standard you refuse to lower, knowing that your commitment is what keeps the aircraft — and everyone in it — safe.”
DCCs embody Air Force Special Operations Command and the wing’s emphasis on developing Air Commandos. Many pursue additional certifications beyond their required training, broadening their skill sets to support mission requirements across the squadron.
The additional qualifications and experience gained through the program allow DCCs to support a wider range of maintenance responsibilities—increasing flexibility and enabling maintainers to quickly adapt in support of mission readiness.
“The goal is to create a culture where maintainers take pride in the aircraft they’re responsible for and the mission they support,” said the squadron commander. She emphasized that the program is designed to develop maintainers who take ownership of their aircraft, encourage them to mentor the next generation and uphold the standards that keep the squadron mission-ready.
For DCCs within the squadron, the program represents more than recognition — it reflects the pride and professionalism associated with maintaining aircraft used to support operational missions.
“It gives our top performers a greater sense of purpose, ownership and pride. Their names are on the aircraft — they have a certain responsibility that others don’t,” said the DCC program manager.
DCCs are expected to maintain a detailed understanding of their aircraft’s maintenance history, inspections and overall health beyond normal maintenance responsibilities.
Leadership also said the impact of the program extends beyond aircraft maintenance, helping motivate other Airmen to pursue higher standards in their own work.
“They’re incredibly influential within the squadron,” said the sortie support officer in charge. “Their professionalism and work ethic motivate other Airmen to push themselves and improve.”
The squadron commander said the long-term goal of the program is to create a sustainable culture of ownership and leadership throughout the maintenance community.
As the program continues to grow, squadron leadership hopes it will continue producing maintainers ready and motivated to support AFSOC missions any place, any time, anywhere.