08/21/2026
A Crew Chief for the KC-135 Strato-Tanker (2A534) is an aircraft mechanic responsible for keeping the aircraft safe, maintained, and ready to fly. Before every flight, we perform inspections and checks to make sure the aircraft is in safe operating condition and identify any problems that could affect the mission.
When the aircraft returns, we inspect it again, troubleshoot any issues, and perform or coordinate the maintenance needed to get it ready for its next flight. Our work can involve aircraft systems such as landing gear, flight controls, hydraulics, engines, refueling and defueling systems, tires, brakes, and other mechanical components. Crew Chiefs also perform scheduled and preventative maintenance, service aircraft fluids, document maintenance, inspect for damage or leaks, and work with other maintenance specialists when a repair requires a specific specialty.
The KC-135 Stratotanker plays an important role in the Air Force by providing aerial refueling to U.S. and allied aircraft around the world. As Crew Chiefs, our job is to make sure the aircraft is safe, reliable, and mission-ready whenever it is needed.
