Langley Air Force Base, Va. –
It was a bright, sunny day recently, as Senior Airman Kimara Duncan, 94th Aircraft Maintenance Unit F-22 crew chief, wheeled her toolbox out to the flight line, at Langley Air Force Base, Va. The air was warm and filled with the roar of passing jets overhead as she prepared to start her shift.
As she prepared for her 10- to 12-hour work day, she readied he tools with the experience of an expert, and moved with purpose only achieved through many long hours of work, the norm for the dedicated crew chief for the 1st Fighter Wing flagship F-22 Raptor.
Most U.S. Air Force members can attest the first question received when asked about their military career is what plane they fly. Although that career field is often publicized, pilots only account for 4 percent of the total force. While the other 96 percent is not as often shown in the limelight, all Service members work cohesively to get the job done. Behind the scenes, Duncan ensures the pilots continue to complete their missions.
As a young Airman just starting technical training, Duncan was pleased to learn she would be trained to work on the most technologically advanced fighter jet in the world.
"I was excited when I learned I would be working on the F-22," she recalled. "I would never have the opportunity to do this job in the outside world."
A crew chief is responsible for ensuring the jet is in perfect working order. They perform preventative maintenance, pre- and post-flight inspections, and maintain and repair the aircraft, inside and out, with general mechanical work.
The flagship DCC position can be considered a great honor, and even a greater accomplishment for any crew chief, especially for a junior-enlisted Airman. While the position of DCC is often reserved for noncommissioned officers, Duncan has distinguished herself as an outstanding Airman. Even with this accomplishment, Duncan remains grounded and focused on the mission.
"I have to set an example for my fellow Airmen," she said. "Everyone looks to me to meet, and exceed, the standards."
When Duncan was informed she was to become the DCC of the flagship, she said she felt unprepared for such a high-profile position. The prospect of being put in a limelight was daunting.
"I didn't want to be put out there," she said with a laugh. "When I first got here, I just wanted to do what I was told, and focus on my job."
Although anxious at first, Duncan has taken great pride in her, and like most crew chiefs, meticulously cares for her jet in the same way a gear head would a prized car.
"As a crew chief, you want your jet to look good," she said. "You want to keep it clean, not clean it because your supervisor told you to."
All DCCs have their names placed on the jet they work on right beneath the pilot's name. This is often a point of pride for crew chiefs' as they watch their plane take off. Although Duncan is past her one-year mark as DCC of the flagship, she is still getting used to her name on the side of her jet.
"I don't think my name looks right on the plane," said Duncan with a bright smile. "It's such a surreal feeling every time I see it."
She recalled when she had to remove the previous crew chief's name from the plane to put on her own.
"I felt bad, almost like I was betraying him" she said. "I still can't believe it's my name on the plane."
Pride is an integral part of a historic organization such as the 94th FS. To conclude each meeting, or gathering of 94th FS personnel they chant the squadron motto, "Who rules? SPADs rule! First in the wing, hat in the ring."
The Société Pour L'Aviation et ses Dérivés, or SPAD, was one of the first airframes flown by the 94th FS when it was activated on August 20, 1917 at Kelly Field, Texas, and reminds the squadron's Airmen of their heritage.
Duncan said the motto makes her glow with pride each time it's chanted.
"Every time I say our motto, I get pumped up," she said. "I feel like I can do anything."
Even with the opportunity to work with such a technologically advanced jet, Duncan's favorite part of the job is the people she works with.
"The 94th Fighter Squadron is one big family," she said. "On the flight line we all look out for each other."
Duncan said she has never let being female in a predominately male unit, discourage her.
"I try to stay positive," Duncan said. "If you're negative, you can affect the mission. I try to keep in mind that I wouldn't have the same opportunities if I was anywhere else."
Her next goal is to become the first female crew chief on the Air Combat Command's F-22 Aerial Demonstration team.
As a member of the demonstration team, Duncan would perform maintenance on the aircraft used to preform precision aerial maneuvers to demonstrate the unique capabilities of the F-22. She would also have the opportunity to travel throughout the country to exhibit the professional qualities the Air Force develops in the people who fly, maintain and support the aircraft.
"I'm grateful for everything I have," she said. "I'm going to keep working the SPAD way."