Chief of staff reenlists crew chief over Southwest Asia

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Sean E. Cobb
  • Office of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --  The Air Force chief of staff reenlisted a C-17 Globemaster III flight crewmember 32,000 feet above the U.S. Central Command area of operations Oct. 23.
 
Gen. Norton Schwartz signed up Senior Airman Tyrell Haney, a 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, for another tour of duty -- his second -- in a ceremony aboard the Charleston Air Force Base, S.C.-based C-17 during the general's week-long visit of the CENTCOM AOR. 

During the reenlistment, the chief of staff said it's vitally important the Air Force retain its quality Airmen. 

"Airmen are doing an incredible job, and every Airman the Air Force retains is one less that has to be trained up to accomplish our mission," he said. 

"More importantly, career Airmen are better able to leverage their experience and expertise to deliver the precision and reliability required for the Air Force to meet it's joint war-fighting missions," General Schwartz added. 

Airman Haney was excited to continue his Air Force experience. 

"Four years just wasn't enough time to do everything I wanted to do," he said. "I love my job. You can't beat working on these aircraft. This has been an amazing opportunity for me.  I might not have left Nebraska if I hadn't joined the Air Force! 

"I didn't expect the chance to have the chief of staff reenlist me," the crew chief said. "I was a little nervous at first, but he seems real down-to-earth, so I was comfortable and really felt a part of the team throughout the ceremony and this entire flight." 

Though only in the Air Force for three-and a-half years, Airman Haney, a native of Hyannis, Neb., has deployed for two 120-days plus tours to the AOR. And, in addition to the high-speed visit around the AOR and reenlisting, Airman Haney also celebrated his 23rd birthday. 

Other maintainers on this flight congratulated Airman Haney. 

"He knows a lot about this jet," said Staff Sgt. Blaine Douglas, also a crew chief with the Charleston maintenance squadron. "He is doing very well on this, his first buddy flight, and I have enjoyed working with him. It's good to know he will be working with us for years to come." 

Sergeant Douglas is on his second reenlistment and has deployed five times. 

The Air Force's top enlisted leader also was on hand to join the C-17 crew in witnessing the event. 

"I am so proud of Tyrell," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. "We are a nation at war. We are proud of every Airman who raises their right hand to join our team. Every Airman already in the fight who chooses to continue their service demonstrates their continued committed to our nation's cause. I am truly proud to serve alongside the incredible Airmen of the United States Air Force." 

Airmen Haney's decision is not only a great moment for the Airman and his family, but a win for the Air Force and commendable example to all Airmen, General Schwartz said. 

"Every Airman counts," he said. "We are all in, and we need our best to stay with us." 

The C-17 flew General Schwartz and Chief McKinley to numerous Southwest Asia CENTCOM locations, including bases in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa. 

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