Photo By Master Sgt. John Hillier | Tech. Sgts. Brett Silver and Jacob Henry reflect on their experience after an...... read more read more
Crew chiefs with the 131st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, were named the wing’s 2022 and 2023 Crew Chiefs of the Year and received an incentive flight in a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, July 19, 2024, here.
Tech. Sgts. Brett Silver and Jacob Henry, crew chiefs with the 131st AMXS, earned their accolades by increasing the B-2’s proactive and reactive operational scheme of maneuver executed within threat timelines to increase survivability of the aircraft, otherwise known as the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept.
“My most recent impact on the wing has been assisting in the implementation of ACE,” said Henry. “I’ve been taking on the role from the maintenance side, training aircrew, and developing the checklist to get the program up and running.”
Silver and Henry have held multiple leadership and mentor roles throughout their careers, and are responsible for the use of training both Guard and active-duty service members who work together on the B-2 helping the Total Force Integration (TFI) mission. Their extensive experience provides valuable knowledge for maintaining the airframe.
“Our shop is a full TFI shop,” Henry said. “We typically take a few active-duty Airmen and train them on assigned tasks for the day.”
Silver, the 2022 Crew Chief of the Year, was awarded Spirit Number 838. Henry, honored as Crew Chief of the Year for 2023, received Spirit Number 839, marking them as the 838th and 839th individuals to fly in the B-2.
Both described the B-2 flight as exceptionally smooth.
“It didn’t feel like you were moving. It felt like you were in a little room being transported,” said Silver.
“There’s no turbulence,” said Henry. “I didn’t feel any turbulence the entire time we flew. It is rock solid and unlike anything else. It’s the Cadillac of aircraft.”
During their incentive flight, Silver and Henry observed an in-flight refueling, participated in weapons systems training, and had the opportunity to radio their families from the aircraft.
“Our pilots are extremely skilled,” Henry said. “Seeing them perform their in-air refueling was incredible because we were 30 feet away from another airplane. Watching the pilots do precise movements while holding a conversation with me helped me appreciate the talent these guys have.”
The experience enhanced their respect for the pilots and highlighted the precision, coordination, and extensive preparation required for such flights.
After the flight, they developed a deeper understanding of why their career is so vital in keeping the aircraft operational and lethal.
Earning an incentive flight is no easy feat, according to Sliver and Henry, crew chiefs must demonstrate exceptional performance and dedication in their roles by contributing significantly to their unit’s mission and overall aircraft readiness.
“To get this award you have to be a crew chief, work hard, show up on time, be respectful, and be a professional.” Henry said. “We have a ton of young members who are top-notch up-and-coming crew chiefs.”
They both said the best part of the flight was radioing their families from the aircraft.
“That was really special for me,” Henry said. “It’s something they’ll always remember—‘Dad called from a B-2’. It was really special to get to land, taxi back and see your family standing out there waiting for you.”
Silver added, “My favorite part was coming back and seeing my mom, dad, wife, and my five-year-old son. That was the first big experience for him. He might not remember, but I’ll always remember seeing my little guy out there.”
| Date Taken: | 08.04.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 08.29.2024 12:17 |
| Story ID: | 479694 |
| Location: | WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, MISSOURI, US |
| Web Views: | 41 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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