...(Yes, we know it's not real)
Posted on 09/30/2016 5:37:13 PM PDT by UMCRevMom@aol.com
Most outsiders may not know about an Air Force tradition that gives the hard-charging crew chiefs of some of the most high-tech airplanes in the world a chance to show a little personality.
You might have seen some funny videos or gifs here and there featuring Air Force maintainers directing taxiing aircraft with the flair of a funny dance or outrageous outfit, and you might have wondered how they got away with it without their commander coming down on them like a ton of bricks.
What you're seeing is "Freestyle Friday," a military version of "casual Fridays" where Air Force crew chiefs – the tactical aircraft maintainers who coordinate the maintenance and care of the world's most expensive airframes — are allowed to have a little fun on the job.
Crew chiefs have one of the hardest jobs in the Air Force; one that requires a lot of training, long hours, and a lot of responsibility to make sure the planes are in tip-top shape for their dangerous missions. There's a reason the crew chief often gets his name on the nose of a plane with the pilot's
Some consider Air Force crew chiefs and maintainers the "grunts" of the Air Force, and no one should be surprised when they have a little fun on the flightline during Freestyle Fridays to blow off a little steam.
The ground crews work in extreme heat and cold, depending on their duty station, with little rest between shifts, and sometimes multiple launches and recoveries per day.
Like most enlisted folks with this level of responsibility, they're known for blunt talk and a no-nonsense attitude. They take care of the planes they're charged to maintain very seriously. So it's no surprise they're known to be hardasses for doing things their way.
But while crew chiefs work hard, they play hard too and are often the genesis of some hilarious nicknames for the airmen that work with them.
Happy Freestyle Friday from We Are The Mighty!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmzfxGjTqGc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blx-VjMGxCU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cLsu5Acf0k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGwrDbzhJg4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBiwdB8txHI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ORXQm-DguY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekz2UELgHNg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAsaNdU3U6E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWAB-6fwHeg
Ping. These are priceless.
Here’s the new Air Force . . . pride and decorum has flown out the window. I found them sickening.
I still wonder where the hell we find these good men and women to do these mostly thankless jobs.
God bless all members of our mighty United States Armed Forces!
You must be a PRIMITAVE BAPTIST... poor you...
Most expensive planes that are too old. Most expensive because of technology yes but also CORRUPTION in our government.
Never see that on the flight deck at sea. Do ya.
1—U.S.: Wells Fargo illegally repossessed 413 service members’ cars
http://money.cnn.com/2016/09/29/news/wells-fargo-servicemembers-cars/index.html
2—Tricare Pharmacy Network Adds Walgreens, Removes CVS
http://militaryspouse.com/news/tricare-pharmacy-network-adds-walgreens-removes-cvs/
Lighten up, Francis.
I have been retired over 25 years, but I still have a close relationship with the soldiers, sailors and airmen.
They are 99% spot-on, as good as...and in some cases, better than the ones I served with.
They are well-trained, dedicated and patriotic.
There is that one percent...they do not last long.
The problem we have is in the senior officer and political leadership, which I lay directly on the doorsteps of the current C in C and some of the pieces of crap that put their own personal selves before duty, honor and country.
Don't give up on these guys...they are still worthy of our support and respect.
Allow them to let their hair down, every now and again.
I don't think a plane will crash because of an occasional bit of a display of esprit de corps and good morale...that you have labeled sickening.
...(Yes, we know it's not real)
I couldn’t agree more. Thank you for saying exactly what I was thinking. This folks are proud of what they do and when the time ever comes for the big one they produce way beyond what is expected.
“Never see that on the flight deck at sea. Do ya.”
Betcha never saw 60 fully loaded Phantoms launched in 12 minutes from a carrier either,
These are awesome!!
Can you say U.S.S. Ranger? Desert Storm? 1991?
If I pulled that crap I would have seen the air boss in 30 seconds.
Can you say U.S.S. Ranger? Desert Storm? 1991?
If I pulled that crap I would have seen the air boss in 30 seconds.
ping
And from the Navy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6_NWqO1RA0
I always thought this one was hilarious.
Then you would have really hated the stunts they used to pull in WWII. Stuff they did as the normal course of business then, will get you court martialed now.
I'm also guessing that you never participated in an old "Navy Shellback ceremony"- not the current one. Those ceremonies were beyond vulgar, crass, disgusting, sexist, .... and enjoyed by everyone participating in their second one.
Every highly regulated society, needs a way to cut up without being punished.
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