|
 History
has recorded their statistical data but recognition is now being given
to the "heart" of our Crew Chiefs:
In silence we now reflect
. . . on their quiet resolve, their sound judgment, their wisdom to do
the right thing at the right moment, and their undeniable courage to voluntarily
fly through the "Gates of Hell." We recall the deafening clamor and
noise of combat operations and landing zones, where each are remembered,
some by silent prayer but all with heads held high, as praised by us, their
fellow Marines and Navy Corpsmen, who hold our Crew Chiefs in the highest
personal and professional regard.
First tested in Boot
Camp, then by the discipline of Maintenance Schools, our Crew Chiefs acquired
a store of skill and knowledge that well served the entire crews of our
helicopters. In the deafening mayhem of battle, at LZ touch down
and "ramp down", they are known by all who observed their outstanding performance,
time and time again.
For those readers seeking
to appreciate the full measure of praise for our Crew Chiefs, imagine any
possible injury, mishap, battle damage, miscalculation or tactical change
of situation. Our Crew Chiefs were there and then ready, willing
and able to provide leadership and instinctive ability, to solve any problem.
It is a simple fact
. . . our Crew Chiefs knew every performance limit of their helicopters,
every tolerance of every component, and recognized in them- selves and
their Marine Air Ground Team the ability to overcome all challenges to
successfully accomplish any assigned mission. They resolutely fulfilled
their duties without once seeking personal recognition, though much is
now deserved.
In sustained persistent
excellence our Crew Chiefs spent very few hours relaxing. For weeks
and months on end they were, preparing, flying and repairing for the next
launch with scant sleep, only to rearm and start all over again.
Their pride in their job was evident in the persistent and resilient "Up"
status of their aircraft, achieved as each would agree was made possible
by the mechanics from the various other shops at their side. These
Marines, and Navy Corpsmen, at their side made history when none had any
time available to write it down.
 Today
Combat Air Crew Wings and their smiles say it all. Whether their
praise is spoken in memory of those Crew Chiefs who placed them- selves
last while placing others first, or hailed in person and in reunion, they
know we appreciate them for what they are, and always remain, for us all:
Crew Chiefs By Year Group
Audio Tributes to Our Crew Chiefs Where Do Crew Chiefs Come
From?
Back Browser or Home |
||||||||||