Show-Me State Times

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 on July 19, 2024.

Tech. Sgts. Brett Silver and Jacob Henry, crew chiefs with the 131st AMXS, earned their accolades by enhancing the B-2’s proactive and reactive operational scheme of maneuver executed within threat timelines to increase aircraft survivability, 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 roles throughout their careers and are responsible for training both Guard and active-duty service members who work together on the B-2 under 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, honored as Crew Chief of the Year for 2022, was awarded Spirit Number 838. Henry, recognized as Crew Chief of the Year for 2023, received Spirit Number 839, marking them as the 838th and 839th individuals to fly in a B-2.

Both described their 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 during our flight. 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 an 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 them do precise movements while holding a conversation with me helped me appreciate their talent.”

The experience enhanced their respect for pilots and highlighted precision, coordination, and extensive preparation required for such flights.

Afterward, they developed a deeper understanding of why their career is vital in keeping aircraft operational.

Earning an incentive flight requires exceptional performance according to Silver and Henry; crew chiefs must demonstrate dedication by contributing significantly to unit missions 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 professional.” Henry said. “We have many young members who are top-notch up-and-coming crew chiefs.”

They both noted that radioing their families from the aircraft was particularly memorable.

“That was really special for me,” Henry said. “It’s something they’ll always remember—‘Dad called from a B-2’. It was special to land back seeing your family waiting.”

Silver added: “My favorite part was coming back seeing my mom, dad, wife, my five-year-old son out there waiting. He might not remember it but I’ll always remember seeing him out there.”