58th AMXS recognize crew chiefs during ceremony

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Dylan Nuckolls
  • Kirtland Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The 58th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron held a ceremony recognizing the newest dedicated and assistant dedicated crew chiefs for the 415th and 71st Aircraft Maintenance Units here, July 19, 2019.

The ceremony was presided over by Lt. Col. Scott Ruppel, 58 AMXS commander.

“The men and women we are going to recognize today are representative of the excellence found throughout the 58 AMXS,” said Ruppel.

These dedicated and assistant dedicated crew chiefs will now have their names put on the aircraft assigned to them and are responsible for all maintenance done on that aircraft.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to have supervision and higher leadership select myself as a crew chief,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Birrenkott, 71 AMU CV-22 Avionics System craftsman and dedicated crew chief. “Even though I’m a specialist to be the face for the aircraft, it’s unbelievable.”

More than 20 members of the 415th and 71st AMUs were recognized during the ceremony.

“Every day we slip the surly bonds of earth,” Ruppel said. “It is these maintainers ensuring safe return of the aircraft and the crews. These dedicated crew chiefs and assistant dedicated crew chiefs are responsible for their planes and put their names on the line every day certifying the quality of the work done.”