Jance Freeman

Directed maintenance operations for 57 employees across nine technical work centers responsible for the lifecycle management, repair, and readiness of 905 aviation support equipment assets supporting Navy aviation operations.

Planned, prioritized, and monitored more than 6,500 scheduled and unscheduled maintenance actions, balancing personnel, resources, and operational requirements to maintain a 92% equipment availability rate.

Increased operational readiness supporting:

Provided aviation maintenance support to 18 tenant organizations, 17 geographically separated detachments, six public aviation demonstrations, and two forward operating locations, ensuring mission-critical support equipment was available to sustain flight operations and operational readiness.

Received the Fiscal Year 2024 Retention Excellence Award in recognition of outstanding leadership, workforce development, and initiatives that improved employee retention, engagement, and organizational stability.

Led the refurbishment and modernization of 24 critical aviation support equipment assets for a Navy aircraft acquisition program, returning mission-essential equipment to service and supporting aircraft certification and operational readiness.

Trained and certified five employees as Production Controllers, expanding the organization's ability to coordinate maintenance scheduling, allocate resources, monitor equipment readiness, and improve workflow efficiency across multiple maintenance activities.

Mentored employees on professional development opportunities, resulting in seven personnel enrolling in college courses through the Department of Defense Tuition Assistance Program to enhance technical knowledge and support long-term career advancement.

Developed the technical qualifications of maintenance personnel by training and certifying 20 employees in specialized aviation maintenance disciplines, increasing workforce capability, operational flexibility, and equipment readiness.

Qualified 10 technicians to independently operate and maintain specialized aviation support equipment, increasing the number of certified personnel available to support maintenance operations and reducing equipment downtime.

Certified six technicians as Quality Assurance Inspectors (Collateral Duty Inspectors), strengthening maintenance oversight, improving compliance with Navy maintenance standards, and enhancing the quality of completed repairs.

Qualified four technicians in aircraft tire and wheel maintenance, expanding in-house repair capabilities and reducing delays associated with specialized maintenance requirements.

Designed and delivered command resilience and suicide prevention training that strengthened workforce readiness, promoted employee well-being, reinforced available support resources, and fostered a healthy, mission-focused work environment.

Served as the senior enlisted leader for aviation maintenance production control aboard USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7), directing maintenance planning, workforce management, and equipment readiness in support of deployed aviation operations during routine deployments, the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), and Operation Allies Refuge, the U.S. military evacuation from Afghanistan. Led cross-functional maintenance organizations responsible for ensuring mission-critical aviation support equipment remained operational in high-tempo expeditionary environments. Additionally, served as an Antiterrorism Tactical Watch Officer, monitoring intelligence reporting, assessing threats, coordinating force protection measures, and advising command leadership on security posture and emergency response actions while operating in contested maritime environments and combat zones.

Delivered technical instruction and managed training operations for Navy and Marine Corps aviation maintenance personnel, ensuring students developed the knowledge and certifications required to support fleet readiness. Oversaw daily training operations, instructor development, testing programs, and facility support while leading military and civilian staff across multiple instructional sites.

Served as the senior enlisted leader for the USS Boxer Safety Department and as the command's Gun Control Officer, overseeing command-wide occupational safety, operational risk management, firearms accountability, and regulatory compliance aboard a U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship. Managed safety programs, coordinated inspections, investigated accidents and safety incidents, administered weapons security and accountability procedures, and advised senior leadership on risk mitigation strategies that protected personnel, equipment, and mission readiness. Responsible for the safe operation of the ship and the protection of more than 3,000 Sailors and embarked Marines during routine operations, overseas deployments, and expeditionary missions. Led military and civilian personnel in fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence while ensuring compliance with Department of Defense and Navy safety and weapons management policies.

Performed intermediate- and depot-level maintenance, overhaul, inspection, testing, and repair of aviation support equipment critical to Navy flight operations. Diagnosed and resolved complex mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and pneumatic system failures using technical manuals, engineering drawings, and precision diagnostic equipment. Planned and executed preventive and corrective maintenance to maximize equipment reliability, extend service life, and support fleet operational readiness. Ensured compliance with Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) maintenance procedures, technical directives, quality assurance standards, and safety regulations while supervising maintenance personnel and coordinating repair activities to meet production schedules and mission requirements.

Performed preventive, corrective, and emergency maintenance on aviation support equipment critical to carrier flight operations aboard USS Nimitz (CVN-68). Diagnosed and repaired complex mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and pneumatic systems to maximize equipment reliability and minimize operational downtime. Conducted inspections, troubleshooting, testing, and equipment overhauls in accordance with Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) maintenance procedures, technical manuals, and quality assurance standards. Supported embarked Carrier Air Wing operations during overseas deployments by ensuring mission-critical aviation support equipment remained fully operational, enabling safe and continuous flight operations in demanding maritime environments.