Flagship reflects Thunderbolt pride

  • Published
  • By Airman First Class C.J. Hatch
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affaris
Being a crew chief for the wing flagship flown by Brig. Gen. Tom Jones, 56th Fighter Wing commander, is no small task.

Staff Sgt. Paul DeGrechie, and Airman Brandon Hohenstein, 63rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chiefs, were recently selected as crew chiefs on the special F-16.

"I was honored to accept this assignment," Sergeant DeGrechie said. "It means a lot, not just because of the jet, but it says a lot about a person's character."

The flagship crew chiefs are chosen much like quarterly award winners. They present themselves at boards and show the highest caliber of excellence in their work. It's their job to keep the jet and themselves looking superior at all times. The flagship represents General Jones and the 56th FW and goes everywhere he goes.

"Because of this jet's high visibility we do a lot of little things other crew chiefs don't," Sergeant DeGrechie said. "We have to make sure the jet is presentable all the time; you never know when someone will come by wanting to see it or a sudden change in schedule requires the general to fly unexpectedly. We want people to look at this jet and see the pride and hard work of Luke reflected in it."

When a lead crew chief is selected, the Airman also selects who will work with him.

"I was working on the flagship for just a little while before Sergeant DeGrechie got here," Airman Hohenstein said. "He liked my performance and attitude toward the work so he asked me to stay on."

Crews usually consist of three-man teams, two Airmen working with one supervisor. Sergeant DeGrechie and Airman Hohenstein have been doing the work of three crew chiefs.

With the flagship's higher visibility and it representing the best Luke has to offer, crew chiefs like Sergeant DeGrechie and Airman Hohenstein continue to help support the mission at Luke.