JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Name: SSgt Tyrell Pennington
Unit: 3rd Maintenance Group
Job Description: SSgt Pennington is a Quality Assurance (QA) Inspector responsible to the Maintenance Group Commander, serving as the primary technical advisory agency in the maintenance organization. QA evaluates the quality of maintenance production and equipment liability and performs necessary functions in support of the Maintenance Standardization and Evaluation Program. QA inspectors have the authority to observe, correct, and document maintenance activities. The evaluation and analysis of deficiencies and problem areas are key functions of QA that highlight and identify underlying causes of poor quality in the maintenance production effort. The combined efforts of QA personnel, maintenance leaders, and technicians are necessary to ensure high quality maintenance production and equipment reliability. Within QA, SSgt Pennington is also responsible for the C-17 Weight & Balance and Impound Program. Additionally, he serves as President of the Booster Club.
Time in service: 8 Years
Previous Assignments: Travis Air Force Base, California
Accomplishments: Prior to getting hired at QA, SSgt Pennington was a Flying Crew Chief (FCC). As an engine technician this was a highly coveted position and proved a unique opportunity for him. The FCC travels on board their aircraft on missions and serves as the maintenance focal point and is essentially the combination of several positions (production super, expediter, and technician). More recently, since assigned to QA, SSgt Pennington assists in performing 160 quality inspections per month for the 517th Aircraft Maintenance Unit. He also excelled at drafting a Local One-Time Inspection for the C-17 aircraft Integrated Drive Generator (IDG) electrical lead support bracket. He provided step by step technical procedures to inspect the proper installation of the IDG, ultimately identifying 38 problems areas across 245 inspections. As Booster Club President he lead the efforts for the unit’s summer picnic and holiday party planning as well as the logistics for the Booster Club booth sales at the recent Arctic Thunder Open House, raising over $4500. SSgt Pennington’s professionalism and selfless service embody our Air Force Core Values and serve as an example for all to emulate.
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Most rewarding job aspect: As a QA inspector SSgt Pennington appreciates the opportunity to train others, and take his position within QA serious as he is the eyes and ears of the Maintenance Group Commander.
Goals: Working towards a B.S. at Embry Riddle
Hobbies: He is married. He and his wife enjoy fishing and hiking and being outdoors in Alaska. He also enjoys restoring old cars and is currently working on a ’47 Ford Coupe
Person I admire most: SSgt Pennington admires his father most. He also served in the USAF for 6 years as a Weapons Loader.
What motivates my winning attitude: SSgt Pennington has an exceptional worth ethic. He believes in giving 100-percent. This is part of what makes him an exceptional QA Inspector!
What I like most about JBER: The outdoors!