CHARLES R. WILKINS
Laurel Hill,FL
Summary
Dynamic leader and strategic planner with extensive experience in senior-level administration, human resources, operations management, and aircraft maintenance. Recognized for driving organizational change through innovative solutions and creative problem-solving, consistently delivering results in challenging business environments. Committed to employee development as a key competitive advantage, fostering a culture of growth and collaboration. Core competencies include strategic planning and execution, organizational leadership, budgeting, coaching and team building, HR systems administration, and program and project management.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Training Detachment Senior Enlisted Leader
372d Training Squadron
Eglin AFB, FL
01.2023 - Current
- Key advisor to agency leadership on quality-of-life, administrative actions, human resources, professional military education, and recognition, while establishing procedures to meet and exceed host unit mission goals for in direct support of Air Combat Command (ACC), AETC, AF Mobility Command (AMC), AF Reserve Command (AFRC), and Air National Guard by providing highly qualified and professional graduates.
- Provided expert counsel to agency leadership on HR, quality-of-life, and administrative matters, directly supporting ACC and other major Air Force commands in achieving mission goals.
- Led HR professionals in delivering strategic advice and solutions across all HR disciplines, including recruitment, training, employee regulations, and performance management.
- Applied analytical methods to improve operational efficiency, build productivity plans, and implement HR processes, ensuring compliance and alignment with organizational goals.
- Managed workforce requirements, drove talent processes, and ensured a healthy talent pipeline through effective recruitment, onboarding, and development programs.
- Led initiatives resulting in significant contributions, including legacy-to-F-35 conversion training for 7 Air National Guard Wings, validated $24M in AFWERX contracts, and fostered a 'People First' culture, mentoring 36 mid-managers and achieving 23 award wins.
Production Superintendent
33d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
Eglin AFB, FL
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Oversaw maintenance efforts for 455 military/civilian personnel in managing aircraft propulsion systems FAA requirements on 31 F-35A aircraft worth $4.2B+.
- Built and executed flying and maintenance schedule to support AETC training requirements; briefed senior leaders daily on aircraft, equipment, and mission status.
- Executed daily and long-range flying and maintenance schedules; balanced aircraft availability and priority execution for $32M flying hour program.
- Directly supervised 10-Senior Managers and 21 Expediters.
- Balanced operations training mission requirements with fleet health system upgrades.
- Expert in correlating production processes, analyzing data to optimize resource utilization for aircraft system refurbishment/repair.
- Led teams in balancing training requirements with fleet health, resulting in recognition as Wing’s 2021 Team of the Year and successful execution of the Wing’s $32M flying hour program.
- Directed the Air Force’s first F-35 cross-service meeting, merging 5 Major Commands with the Italian Air Force, advancing international operations and maintenance capabilities.
- Managed 31,000 maintenance actions, generating 10,500 sorties, and resolved critical grounding issues, including identifying and guiding rudder hinge repairs on 15 aircraft, returning the oldest F-35 fleet to combat-ready status one week ahead of schedule.
- Refined fleet emergency weather plans, reducing response time by six hours, and successfully sheltered and evacuated 26 aircraft and 20 tons of support equipment during two tropical storms.
Aircraft Section Chief
33d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
Eglin AFB, FL
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Developed and implemented daily and weekly duty schedules; tracked ancillary and task qualification training of personnel.
- Accredited and sustained aircraft and maintenance data in Autonomic Logistics Information System for various F-35 programs.
- Advised squadron leadership on aircraft diagnostics and resource management.
- Led and supervised 160 personnel responsible for maintaining 26 F-35A aircraft value at over $3.4B, ensuring optimal operational readiness and adherence to stringent maintenance standards.
- Innovated F-35A 'hot seat' procedures, cutting aircraft turn time by 50% and validating a new testbed for Air Combat Command, significantly improving aircraft availability.
- Fueled strict maintenance discipline, capturing a 94% Quality Assurance pass rate across 172 inspections, earning recognition as superior performer in 2019.
- Project officer for large-force tasking; directed the movement of 193 personnel and 70 tons of support equipment, generating 264 Joint-combat sorties.
- Guided the Wing’s largest section through Exercise RAGE FEST, managing 144 personnel, 714 missions, and 1,000 flight hours.
Maintenance Training Instructor
355th Maintenance Group
Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Developed and delivered comprehensive training programs for 3 wings, 6 squadrons, 2,300 maintenance personnel to ensure proficiency in servicing and maintaining 4 mission design series valued at $4.7B.
- Designed and conducted engaging instruction on various aircraft systems; managed Ground Instructional Training Aircraft (GITAs), administering training materials and assessments, and tracking student progress.
- Played a key role in continuous improvement of training programs; expertise was essential for maintaining the operational readiness and effectiveness of ACC’s largest flying hour program.
- Developed and instructed 75+ classes totaling over 1,300 hours, resulting in a 15% increase in Group capabilities and contributing to Wing-level 'Outstanding' Unit Effectiveness Inspection rating and Superior Team Awards.
- Managed 3 GITAs valued at $39M, ensuring availability and maintenance for training purposes.
- Instituted parts removal process saving Air Force $250K; Oversaw 19 GITA cannibalization actions, saving an additional $1.2M.
- Delivered the stand-up of a Contractor Field Team, providing training to 109 students and facilitating a seamless Maintenance Unit transition between Active Duty to Contractor support.
Aircraft Dedicated Crew Chief
355th AMXS
Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Supervised aircraft maintenance operations, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and regulatory compliance.
- Coordinated team activities to optimize workflow efficiency and minimize turnaround times for aircraft servicing.
- Co-managed work center training program; certifying 7 Airmen on over 600 tasks, producing five 5-level upgrades within 12-months.
- Discovered a chaffed hydraulic line and initiated a fleet-wide inspection, scrutinized 30 aircraft and prevented potential brake failure.
- Passed 16 Quality Assurance inspections, earning 'Honor Roll' status, to team’s 5 'AMU of the Month' awards; DCC of the Quarter winner, nominated for two Squadron NCO of the Quarter awards.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Emergency Management
Waldorf University
Forest City, IA2025
Associate of Applied Science - Aviation Maintenance Technology
Community College of The Air Force
Montgomery, ALSkills
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Organizational Leadership
- Coaching & Team Building
- Personnel management
- HR Systems Administrator
- Training & Workforce Development
- Aircraft Maintenance Technology
- Strategic/Tactical Planning & Budgeting
- Production Planning & Control
- Program & Project Management
- Innovation and creativity
Security Clearance
Active Secret, 2023-01-01
Certification
Federal Aviation Administration - Airframe & Powerplant Certification
Professional Development
- Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy
- Instructional Systems Development
- Aircraft Quality Assurance Inspector
- Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education
- Noncommissioned Officer Academy
- Principles of Instruction
- Airman Leadership School
Awards
- Air Education and Training Command Team Innovation Award (2024)
- Group General Lew Allen Award Nominee (2024)
- Group Detachment of the Year (2024)
- Squadron SNCO of the Year (2024)
- Wing Team of the Year (2022)
- Squadron SNCO Maintenance Professional of the Year (2021)
- Meritorious Service Medal (2)
- Air and Space Commendation Medal (2)
- Air and Space Achievement Medal (3)
- Meritorious Unit Award
- Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award (6)
- Air Force Good Conduct Medal (6)
Timeline
Training Detachment Senior Enlisted Leader
372d Training Squadron
01.2023 - Current
Production Superintendent
33d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
01.2020 - 01.2023
Aircraft Section Chief
33d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
01.2018 - 01.2020
Maintenance Training Instructor
355th Maintenance Group
01.2016 - 01.2018
Aircraft Dedicated Crew Chief
355th AMXS
01.2013 - 01.2015
Bachelor of Science - Emergency Management
Waldorf University
Associate of Applied Science - Aviation Maintenance Technology
Community College of The Air Force