U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY -- The roar of the engine wakes me up faster than my alarm clock; a swift climb down the ladder from the cockpit and it’s time to start my daily inspection. Details from tech school flow through my brain while I'm making sure my aircraft is safe to fly. As I look down, I discover a punctured tire on the aircraft that is beyond repair; it’s time to get to work.
These are the thoughts of U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tevin Patterson, 97th Expeditionary Aircraft Refueling Squadron crew chief, who knows the amount of work that needs to be done for his overall mission. His inspections of the aircraft are just one part of his job, but that one part gives him a sense of pride like nothing else can.
“As a crew chief,my daily objective is to make sure my aircraft is in the best condition possible to help the pilot have a safe flight and return home to us and their family,” said Patterson. “When I conduct my inspections and catch something wrong, I fix it before the pilot steps foot in the jet. I get a warm feeling inside knowing that I possibly saved a life that day.”
The 97th EARS crew chiefs not only conduct KC-135 Stratotanker inspections, but they also perform maintenance and convene with the pilots of that aircraft to make sure they know everything going on with that aircraft that day.
“We head to the aircraft before the pilot arrives, turn on the aircraft battery power and start our inspections,” said Patterson. “We look at tires, wings, cables, lights, and anything else you could think of on that aircraft. When the pilot comes out we explain to them what we noticed, we advise an action plan moving forward that will ensure safety and mission success.”
The crew chiefs also spend much of their time at work marshalling the aircraft in and out of the hangars.
“Marshalling jets in and out of the hangars is another very satisfying part of our job,” said Patterson. “It’s satisfying because we know at this point our mission has been accomplished. Whether it be marshalling out of the hangar, meaning the aircraft has cleared inspection and is ready to takeoff, or into the hangar because the aircraft landed safely, we consider both huge accomplishments toward the mission.”
When members enter the 97th EARS, a sense of purpose and devotion circulate throughout the atmosphere. Devotion to their craft, their assigned jet, and one another is felt. The feeling radiates throughout the squadron, not skipping any Airmen that pass by. One particular Airman happens to be Patterson’s day-to-day teammate.
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Joshua Hardman, 97th EARS crew chief, explained why his squadron feels special to them.
“I think it’s all about the commitment we have to the work that we do each day,” said Hardman. “We typically work in pairs and each Airman commits to putting forth their best effort daily, and when your coworkers see you doing that, what else could we ask for?”
Each day, the KC-135 Stratotanker crew chiefs hound the flightline and dedicate an average of 60 hours a week to make sure the aircraft are prepared to take off at a moment's notice.
“I wouldn’t say I chose to work on the KC-135 when I first joined the Air Force, but I adapted and it became an aircraft I enjoy working on,” said Patterson. “The big exterior of the aircraft opens the door for more teamwork and leaves us all with the feeling that we not only accomplished a huge feat, but we did it together.”
Their cohesive teamwork stems from working together at their home station, Fairchild Air Force Base, WA, and their bond has only grown stronger since being deployed.
“Patterson is the best teammate I could have asked for hands down,” said Hardman. “We get along, listen to each other’s input and get the job done; it’s just all around great vibes. This experience has formed a true brotherhood between us and even when we return home, I know we will continue to hang out and that’s someone I consider my brother for life.”
The two have built an unbreakable bond while deployed and are starting to even think alike. When asked about the best part about their jobs, they both answered without hesitation.
“Getting to fly on the aircraft,” stated Patterson and Hardman together. Patterson added, “We don’t get to travel with the aircraft a lot because we aren’t flying crew chiefs, but when we get the opportunity it’s amazing. Being able to see parts of the world we haven’t seen yet with friends is a dream.”
Patterson and Hardman’s leadership was ecstatic to be able to express how much of an impact the duo has on the team.
“They both bring so much joy to our squadron. I see them interacting with everyone and I can tell the positive impact they have on those around them,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Alejandro Vazquez, 97th EARS production superintendent. “When I send them to do a job, I can count on them to do it the correct way, the first time, every time. My job involves performing an exceptional release, which means to check over the inspections that my crew chiefs cleared for an aircraft. I haven’t once had to call Patterson and Hardman back out to correct a mistake that I’ve caught; they are both exceptional Airmen who make my job a lot easier.”