Joel Banks
Navarre,FL
Summary
Highly accomplished and experienced aircraft maintenance professional with over 20 years of experience in the United States Air Force. Proven track record of leading high-performing teams, driving process improvements, and ensuring exceptional maintenance standards. Skilled in aircraft inspection, maintenance, and repair, with expertise in F-16 and other aircraft models. Possesses excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, with a strong commitment to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Policy professional with robust experience in shaping and implementing strategic initiatives. Skilled in policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory compliance, with track record of driving impactful results. Strong focus on team collaboration and adaptability, ensuring reliable performance in dynamic environments. Proficient in research, data analysis, and policy evaluation, with excellent communication and leadership qualities.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Command Aircraft Maintenance Programs and Policy Manager
United States Air Forces Europe
07.2022 - Current
- Led European Command’s top priority exercise, AUSTERE CHALLENGE 2024: Coordinated 1,300 trusted agents and 15,000 global participants across 1,220 scenarios—achieved full training certification for the Aircraft and Munitions Maintenance Division.
- Drafted the European theater's cross-functional training model: Developed team composition and cross-utilization training requirements for Multi-Capable Airmen; incorporated into the region’s mission guidance document, recognized as a 'best practice' and adopted by Air Force Headquarters as a standard for all major commands.
- Spearheaded aircraft hot-refuel certification for strategic operations: Directed Air Force Global Strike Command’s engine-operating refuel process in Türkiye—established repeatable procedures and reduced aircraft ground time, enhancing interoperability with partner forces.
- Led urgent technical order revision for critical repair capability: Partnered with the Naval Engineering Service Center and Program Office to establish depot-level repair of landing lights for C-130J aircraft, resolved global supply constraints and improved repair timelines service-wide.
- Planned maintenance training for major multinational exercise: As United States Air Forces Europe’s lead maintenance planner, developed five key training goals and six operational injects for AUSTERE CHALLENGE 2023—shaped Headquarters staff readiness for near-peer conflict.
- Represented the command at the Centralized Technical Order Management Conference: Engaged with 200 senior leaders to prioritize 20 enterprise-wide initiatives—drove the development of future frontline maintenance and operations strategies.
- Directed European readiness initiative for Multi-Capable Airmen: Led coordination with Air Force Headquarters and other major commands to define and implement advanced readiness capabilities—synchronized five operating bases and established a scalable framework for deployment and North Atlantic Treaty Organization alignment.
- Overhauled technical order training for improved compliance: Modernized procedures across 4,300 publications in 182 accounts—reduced the error rate by 65%, earning the highest accuracy rating across all Air Force commands.
- Managed development of technical and procedural guidance: Led 23 integrated product teams across United States Air Forces Europe—implemented revised guidance supporting the safe execution of 25,000 aircraft sorties.
- Simplified refueling certification documentation: Consolidated over 11 regulatory sources into a single 7-page reference—streamlined hot-refuel site approval and accelerated the command’s Agile Combat Employment capabilities.
- Advanced joint service refueling operations: Oversaw 15 hot-refuel sites in partnership with the Navy, Marine Corps, and North Atlantic Treaty Organization—expanded aircraft endurance and sortie rates during the Ukraine conflict.
Maintenance Tactics Superintendent
20TH Maintenance Group
06.2021 - 07.2022
- Selected as Superintendent for Maintenance Tactics (a position typically held by a Chief Master Sergeant): Designed and formalized roles and responsibilities into Air Force guidance—adopted by eight wings and two major commands.
- Investigated a 20% drop in mission capability rates: Analyzed performance data and identified aircraft divert procedures as the cause; developed new operational and maintenance tactics, techniques, and procedures—generated 3,500 sorties and restored readiness.
- Developed a centralized Multi-Capable Airmen tracking database: Consolidated information from Headquarters Air Force and unit-level authorization documents—streamlined training and accountability across the Fifteenth Air Force.
- Led readiness dashboard development for the fighter wing: Acted as the Maintenance Group’s liaison to seven organizations—executed 75 generation actions and enhanced data reporting accuracy and utility.
- Accelerated Agile Combat Employment implementation: Directed operations across three locations with 55 personnel—optimized the hub-and-spoke concept and enabled participation in multiple joint-service exercises.
- Planned and executed a high-visibility field support visit: Authored the schedule and engaged five units for the United States Air Force Falcon Hotline—the wing’s first visit since 2016; earned personal recognition from the visiting team lead.
- Advanced enterprise-level maintenance improvement initiatives: Contributed to the Air Force’s Theories of Constraint efforts by implementing a 'deep clean' process in the fighter generation squadron—reduced maintenance time by 45% and delayed discrepancies by 39%.
- Pioneered a new Fighter Generation Squadron structure at Shaw Air Force Base: Streamlined processes and formalized the organizational model—recognized by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and adopted service-wide as the 'Shaw Model.'
- Revitalized Maintenance Group academic training: Modernized course content and integrated a comprehensive training plan—supported seven courses and mentored 84 junior-grade officers and senior non-commissioned officers.
- Represented Shaw Air Force Base during Air Combat Command’s 'Pathfinder' project visit: Presented data-driven arguments on mission risks related to the new deployment model—provided senior leaders with key insights to improve resourcing and mission alignment.
- Led maintenance efficiency improvements under the Theories of Constraint framework: Reduced hands-on maintenance hours by 28%, decreased break rates by 26%, and cut non-mission capable rates by 34%, which contributed directly to Shaw’s 2022 Meritorious Unit Award.
- Directed prototype cargo deployment initiative: Assembled working groups and created a model deployment package—adopted by Headquarters Air Force and Air Combat Command as a basis for future logistics operations; received the Group’s 2021 Lance P. Sijan Award and a nomination at the wing level.
- Appointed as Shaw Air Force Base’s lead for expeditionary maintenance reform: Spearheaded Agile Combat Employment planning and execution; selected by name for a command-level developmental position—led the Tactics Team to win Team of the Year honors.
- Oversaw facility maintenance operations, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and standards.
- Managed scheduling and execution of maintenance tasks to optimize equipment performance.
- Developed training programs for staff, enhancing skills and operational efficiency.
- Implemented process improvements, reducing downtime and increasing workflow effectiveness.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to address maintenance issues promptly and effectively.
- Analyzed maintenance data to identify trends, driving strategic decisions for resource allocation.
- Mentored junior staff on best practices in facility management and safety protocols.
- Established preventative maintenance schedules, improving overall equipment reliability and lifespan.
- Reviewed design specifications critically for accuracy, identifying potential issues before they escalated into costly delays or rework situations.
- Resolved conflicts efficiently among team members, fostering a positive work environment that contributed to successful outcomes.
- Reviewed plans and inspected ongoing construction to keep work in line with project goals.
- Communicated effectively with clients throughout each stage of the project for transparency regarding progress updates, as well as addressing any concerns raised promptly.
- Managed multiple simultaneous projects while maintaining strict deadlines and adhering to budget constraints.
- Established successful procedures for day-to-day operations and long-term planning.
- Collaborated with architects, engineers, and contractors to achieve seamless project execution.
- Implemented safety protocols for reduced workplace accidents and improved employee well-being.
- Supported project coordination and smooth workflow by coordinating materials, inspections, and contractor actions.
- Mentored junior staff, leading to increased productivity and improved teamwork throughout the organization.
Sortie Support Flight Chief
77th Fighter Generation Squadron
08.2020 - 06.2021
- Led four sections, including 350 Airmen across 6 Air Force specialty codes, and managed resource requirements to support 25 F-16 combat aircraft valued at $1 billion.
- Directed seven forward deployment planning packages: Managed a team and 1,100 assets while inspecting 23 pallet positions—boosted deployment readiness and cut logistical footprint by 33%.
- Led Air Combat Command’s first deployed Fighter Generation Squadron Support Section: Maintained accountability for 38,000 tools and equipment items—enabled 781 combat sorties across three areas of responsibility.
- Developed follow-on force integration strategy: Orchestrated shop reorganization and movement planning under resource constraints—successfully prepared for the arrival and bed down of 12 aircraft and 150 personnel.
- Spearheaded squadron pre-deployment operations: Coordinated 15 medical and readiness training tasks across seven base agencies—ensured 311 Airmen were fully qualified and combat-ready for deployment.
- Strengthened base defense posture: Conducted risk assessments and authored a deployed dispersal and maintenance plan, which enhanced the squadron’s rapid aircraft, personnel, and equipment evacuation capabilities.
- Revamped the Dedicated Crew Chief program: Designed selection and evaluation criteria for 26 Airmen—hosted eight competitions recognizing 24 top performers and improving morale and maintenance excellence.
- Served on the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing Safety Evaluation Team: Inspected 50 items, identified 19 safety violations, and facilitated timely corrective actions—protected 1,300 deployed personnel.
- Engineered agile operations deployment pack-out standards: Partnered with air transportation and installation deployment leaders—established new loadout standards that enabled 118 combat sorties from three forward operating bases.
- Established and led the deployed Fighter Generation Squadron awards program: Reviewed 41 award submissions and 12 recognition opportunities—secured four group-level wins, six wing-level awards, and two coins each from the Command Chief and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force.
- Executed U.S. Air Forces Central Command’s first Agile Combat Employment maneuver: Led 22 combat maintenance team members, coordinated with forward operating bases—generated 33 sorties and stood up the first forward-deployed hot-refuel site in-theater.
- Led a nine-person maintenance recovery team at a forward operating base: Coordinated bed down operations in an austere environment without core support—returned the aircraft to mission-capable status in under 14 hours, enabling a Code-1 return to base.
- Managed the Air Force’s first deployed Fighter Generation Squadron: Directed 311 personnel and 400 tons of cargo—achieved full combat capability within 72 hours, enabling 821 combat missions and seven forward movements resulting in 19 confirmed enemy kills.
- Led daily operations, ensuring mission readiness and aircraft availability.
- Supervised maintenance teams, fostering adherence to safety standards and operational protocols.
- Coordinated logistics for aircraft support, optimizing resource allocation and deployment schedules.
- Mentored junior personnel, enhancing skills in technical procedures and compliance regulations.
- Implemented process improvements that streamlined workflows and reduced turnaround times for aircraft servicing.
- Conducted inspections to ensure quality control and compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Managed scheduling of aircraft maintenance activities, aligning with mission objectives and timelines.
- Developed training programs to enhance operational efficiency among team members.
- Assessed individual skills of the team and delegated daily tasks based on strengths.
- Enhanced flight safety by conducting thorough pre-flight inspections and addressing potential issues.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Management
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, FL05.2025
Professional Management Certification -
Community College of The Air Force
Maxwell Gunter Air Force Base, AL01.2016
Associate of Science - Aviation Maintenance Technology
Community College of The Air Force
Maxwell Gunter Air Force Base, AL05.2013
Skills
- Aircraft maintenance and repair
- Leadership and team management
- Quality Assurance and control
- Safety and risk management
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Time management and organization
- Technical writing and documentation
- Policy analysis
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Team leadership
- Task prioritization
Websites
Certification
- CM - Certified Manager Certification
Timeline
Command Aircraft Maintenance Programs and Policy Manager
United States Air Forces Europe
07.2022 - Current
Maintenance Tactics Superintendent
20TH Maintenance Group
06.2021 - 07.2022
Sortie Support Flight Chief
77th Fighter Generation Squadron
08.2020 - 06.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Business Management
Saint Leo University
Professional Management Certification -
Community College of The Air Force
Associate of Science - Aviation Maintenance Technology
Community College of The Air Force
Awards
2021 Senior Noncommissioned Officer Lance P. Sijan Air Force Leadership Award (Group-Level)
2021 Aircraft Maintenance Team of the Year (Group-Level)
2020 Squadron of the Quarter (Group-Level)
2020 Aircraft Maintenance Team of the Quarter (Squadron-Level)
2019 Nominated for Presidential Gears of Government Award
2019 Senior Noncommissioned Officer Lance P. Sijan Air Force Leadership Award (Group-Level)
2019 Senior Noncommissioned Officer Maintenance Professional of the Year (Wing-Level)
2017 Senior Noncommissioned Officer General Leo Marquez Aircraft Maintenance Leadership Award (Wing-Level)
2015 Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter (Squadron-Level)
2014 Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter (Wing-Level)
2014 Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter (Group-Level)
2013 Senior Noncommissioned Officer Lance P. Sijan Air Force Leadership Award (Squadron-Level)
2013 Senior Noncommissioned Officer Maintenance Professional of the Year (Wing-Level)
2010 Air Combat Command Logistics Compliance Inspection Outstanding Performer, 2010
2007 Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Thomas N. Barnes, Crew Chief of the Year (Wing-Level)
2004 Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Thomas N. Barnes, Crew Chief of the Year (Wing-Level)
2003 Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Thomas N. Barnes, Crew Chief of the Year (Wing-Level)
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