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***image1***Dedicated is the appropriate word to describe dedicated crew chiefs on Ramstein. A DCC is responsible for a C-130E Hercules aircraft. Their name is even printed on the side of the plane.
The DCC is the manager of the aircraft. They are the ones who get the aircraft off the ground. They fix the plane and get it ready to fly again once it lands, said Senior Master Sgt. Donald Miles, 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron’s production superintendent.
The 86th Maintenance Group recently received an “excellent” rating from the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Logistics Standardization Evaluation Teams. Many of the DCCs were given personal evaluations and scored perfect, passing all 22 of the personnel evaluations graded.
“The DCCs spent numerous hours making sure their aircraft forms exceeded the standards,” said Lt. Col. Roger Klaffka, 86th AMXS commander.
If something is happening on their aircraft, the DCC is involved.
“We have a lot of responsibility and have to pay a lot of attention to detail,” said Staff Sgt. Joel Pomerene, 86th AMXS DCC. “It would cost lives if we made a mistake.”
A DCC starts the day with a post- or-pre-flight inspection.
“Then, we write up any discrepancies and fix them,” said Senior Airman Jonathan Wander, 86th AMXS DCC.
“We double check all the problem areas for leaks and make sure the aircraft is good,” said Airman Wander. “If any problems arise we either fix it or call someone out to fix it and we assist them.”
Sometimes the job can be stressful, said Sergeant Pomerene. “We spend a lot of time away from family,” he said.
Although the responsibility is heavy, the DCCs agree the reward at the end of the day is great.
“It is a good feeling to work on a plane all day and then watch your plane take off,” said Airman Wander.
