'Master' crew chief wins 12th AF honor

  • Published
  • By Airman Samantha DeVries
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  For his ability to keep his jets mission ready through the year, a crew chief with the 389th Aircraft Maintenance Unit here recently earned 12th Air Force's top aircraft maintenance award.

Staff Sgt. Jared O. Ralphs earned the Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Thomas N. Barnes Award, which recognize outstanding aircrew chiefs each year in the numbered Air Force.

Known as the "master seven level" to his coworkers in recognition of his advanced aircraft technical knowledge, Sergeant Ralphs proved his worth to the unit through his day-to-day work, according to squadron officials.

"Sergeant Ralphs is a proven maintainer and warrior inspiring numerous peers and trainees alike," said Master Sgt. Dominic A. Calvaresi, 389th AMU aircraft section chief. "We are proud that he is a part of the Gunfighters!

"When I have a question, I go to the 'master seven level,' " added Senior Airman Wesley S. Lankford from the 389th AMU.

Sergeant Ralphs, a dedicated crew chief and one of 287 crew chiefs in his unit, kept his jet's mission compatible rate average at 89 percent -- seven percent higher than Air Combat Command's standard. During a recent Global Strike exercise, he launched six aircraft flying a total of 39 sorties while boosting his mission capable rate to more than 98 percent.

Squadron officials credited the sergeant with saving one of its F-16s after he identified a major problem with the jet's throttle cable which, if left uncorrected, could've caused a crash. The sergeant saved additional thousands of dollars in depot repair costs by overseeing a dual wing change on an F-16 here. As the AMU's sole engine intake, exhaust and blade blender certifier, he also spent time certifying 34 up-and-coming crew chiefs on these critical tasks.

This month's award follows additional honors he earned during 2006. In October, the sergeant won the 366th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron's dedicated crew chief award for July to September.