Crew chief for a day helps Airman gain new perspective

by Senior Airman Aja Heiden
482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

9/9/2014 - HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. -- Medical and maintenance might sound like very different careers in the Air Force, but one Airman discovered similarities when she became a crew chief for a day.

Staff Sgt Tijuana L. Hamilton, aerospace medical technician for the 482nd Medical Squadron, participated in crew chief for a day, an honor bestowed on few.

Hamilton is assigned to Homestead Air Reserve Base as a medical technician; her job is helping Airmen stay healthy and medically ready for deployment.

Hamilton gave up her cool office environment in the medical squadron for a hot flight line to be a crew chief for a day. The crew chiefs here are responsible for the maintenance of F-16C/D aircraft.

"The medical squadron is in charge of medical support for base missions," said Hamilton. "We ensure everyone is fit to fight with immunization shots, blood work, and by conducting physicals."

"Crew chiefs manage all activities and maintenance on the wing's 28 F-16C/D aircraft," said 2nd Lt. Christine Manson, maintenance operations officer for the 482nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "Crew chiefs have overall responsibility for general maintenance operations, like aircraft servicing, along with heavy maintenance such as engine removal and installation."

Medical and maintenance may seem like different worlds, they do have some common ground.

"One crew chief is in charge of a million dollar plane and the life of the pilot on board," said Hamilton. "As a medical technician, I can relate to that feeling. The patients in my care must trust in me, as pilots must trust their crew chief."

Hamilton was selected for this opportunity due to her service and assistance to the 482nd Maintenance Group in preparation for the recent deployment cycle.

"She recognizes the unique mission of the 482nd Maintenance Group and works directly with squadron commanders and superintendents to ensure mutual acceptable times for medical and dental appointments so both units meet their missions," said Manson.

Although Hamilton works closely with the maintenance members in her role as a medical technician, she gained a greater understanding of their mission during her hands on experience.

"I had a really good crew chief who made sure I didn't go in the wrong direction and getting to see the other side of the mission changed my perspective," said Hamillton. "When I first got to this base, I thought all maintenance Airmen did the same job, now I know they are different. The experience was amazing."