Dyess maintainer named 2012 AMC crew chief of the year

by Airman 1st Class Charles V. Rivezzo
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

3/11/2013 - DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas  -- Staff Sgt. Jamie Febus, 317th Maintenance Squadron, was recently named one of three Air Mobility Command crew chiefs of the year.

"I am honored and privileged to represent the 317th Maintenance Squadron as their crew chief of the year," Febus said. "Working alongside my fellow maintainers would definitely be why I enjoy coming to work. I couldn't have done much without their help, and it shows as we see how the maintenance we perform takes off and lands safely. They're always a pleasure to work with."

As a top member in one of the Air Force's premier mobility units, Febus played a critical role in transitioning the 317th AG from the C-130H to the C-130J, as well as generating more than 500 sorties with an 88 percent mission capable rate.

"My primary duties are the supervision and organization of great maintenance on the flightline," the Augusta, Ga., native said. "Also, since I serve as a flying crew chief, I'm considered a jack of all trades for the aircrew. I need to be able to diagnose and troubleshoot any issues that may happen while we are flying or off-station."

"I'm very proud of Jaime for all the hard work he did to support our mission," said Col. Walter H. Ward, 317th Airlift Group commander. "Through his dedication to the culture of Airman excellence and putting the mission and team first, he received a significant individual recognition."

As an AMC nominee, Febus will go on to compete for the prestigious Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Thomas N. Barnes Award, which is awarded to the Air Force's crew chief of the year at the Air Force Association National Convention later this year in Washington, D. C.