FCC ensures mission is 'a go' from takeoff to landing

  • Published
  • By Gina Randall
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Many people near the base see planes take off and think nothing about it. But for the flying crew chiefs, "chocks away" is just the beginning of their job.

One Air Commando in particular is not only assigned to a specific aircraft, but is dedicated to ensuring all aspects of the MC-130J Commando II is mission capable and ready to meet the demands it's assigned to.

"Whenever a Commando II goes off station, I fly with that plane as an augmenteed member of the crew," said Staff Sgt. Andrew Morrissey, 352nd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron flying crew chief from Coral Springs, Florida. "Wherever we go, I'm responsible for the maintenance and serviceability of the aircraft."

He also provides ground servicing and handling, towing, jacking, routine fueling and pre-and post-flight inspections. But his work doesn't end once the aircraft touches down; he must ensure it's ready for takeoff once more.

"When we land, I do the inspections and the refuel," he added. "My job is to take care of the plane and to make sure it meets mission requirements, that it's safe for flight and it can get the job done."

Morrissey is passionate about getting the job done to the best of his ability.

"What I enjoy most is producing the mission. I am only a cog in the machine, but it feels good to know I am a part of something," the FCC said. "It may not mean much to other people changing brakes and tires, but for the aircrew it's the difference between that aircraft going on a mission -- or not."

While the Air Commandos are highly-trained individuals, there's always more to learn.

"There are a lot of aircraft out there," he said. "There's so much that goes into every system. People that have been on this aircraft for years still don't know everything. A lot of these guys come from different airframes with many years experience in the Air Force. All that knowledge comes together."

Morrissey is looking forward to a long Air Force future and prides himself on being the best he can be as both an Airman and an FCC.

"I want to be the best FCC that I can possibly be," Morrissey said. "It takes a long time to master. Some of these guys can go out to a plane and just smell problems, they just know what's going on, it's like they talk to it and that's kind of the point that we all strive for."

Morrissey's a force multiplier and has earned the respect of those he works with because of the energy and expertise he brings to work each day.

"(He) is a loyal and devoted NCO. His continuing support and feedback to his Airmen has set many of them up for awesome achievements. As an airlift and special missions, aircraft maintenance craftsman on the MC-130J he is a 'go-to' technician. His maintenance practices and knowledge has put him in an elite group of flying crew chiefs," said Tech. Sgt. Joshua Varga, 352nd SOMXS MC-130 Aerospace Maintenance craftsman from Henniker, New Hampshire. "He has provided superb support for the 352nd Special Operations Group mission at many austere locations, been given many challenges and always puts forth 100 percent to complete the mission."

The FCC enjoys each and every day while stationed here and hopes to continue.

"It's good to know that I've been there, I've done that, and I can do it again," he explained. "And it's fun; it's a lot of fun."

(Editor's note: this is part of a two part series)