Zachary Cruell
Goldsboro,NC
Summary
Developed leadership and operational management skills in fast-paced environment, focusing on team coordination and project execution. Demonstrates strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with talent for strategic planning and implementation. Seeking to transition into new field, leveraging transferable skills to drive success in diverse settings.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
MXS SECTION CHIEF
911th Air Refueling Squadron
Seymour Johnson AFB, NC
12.2024 - 09.2025
- Advises 9 personnel across 5 different AFSCs. Supplies direct support for 916 MXG operations and a $3.5B fleet of 12 KC-46 aircraft. Integrates with AFRC leadership to execute headquarters mission taskings supporting 5 commands, scheduled maintenance, and certification inspection requirements. Oversees technician training & qualification, assures repair accountability, & crafts work center safety policies to guide timely skill level upgrades.
- Zach led a team of 35 TFI Airmen across 5 AFSCs executing on and off equipment maintenance repairing 109 pilot-reported discrepancies for a $32.4M FHP culminating in 1.1K sorties flying 3.9K hours a 25% increase from FY24. He also filled AFRC manning gaps mobilizing 5 Airmen for 4 named exercises and provided material support for 14 missions.
- MSgt Cruell was selected by the 4 FW/CC as STEM team lead for SJAFB Air Show where he led a team of 11 Airmen organizing the 181K sq ft hangar complex enabling 52 exhibits for 300K visitors. He also liaised with 3 units and AF engineers to obtain approval for local manufacture modification and repair of 12 maintenance stands saving $144k in costs.
- MSgt Cruell coordinated efforts between 5 agencies across 3 wings to employ a AMC led team to clear an F-15 from the runway. His team performed a control lift and debogging in 72 hours with the sole installation runway still active, preserving downed aircraft integrity, preventing additional damage, and enabling the return a $53M ACC asset to FMC.
- MSgt Cruell led a MX recovery team for where he collaborated with Boeing to author repair and troubleshooting procedures that were codified in technical orders improving repair guidelines for 6 wings across 2 MAJCOMs. He also obtained his Sherpa Certification coaching 110 maintainers in holistic health fostering team communication and development.
- AMC
MXS SECTION CHIEF
911th Air Refueling Squadron
Seymour Johnson AFB, NC
12.2024 - 09.2025
- Advises 9 personnel across 5 different AFSCs. Supplies direct support for 916 MXG operations and a $3.5B fleet of 12 KC-46 aircraft. Integrates with AFRC leadership to execute headquarters mission taskings supporting 5 commands, scheduled maintenance, and certification inspection requirements. Oversees technician training & qualification, assures repair accountability, & crafts work center safety policies to guide timely skill level upgrades.
- Zach led a team of 35 TFI Airmen across 5 AFSCs executing on and off equipment maintenance repairing 109 pilot-reported discrepancies for a $32.4M FHP culminating in 1.1K sorties flying 3.9K hours a 25% increase from FY24. He also filled AFRC manning gaps mobilizing 5 Airmen for 4 named exercises and provided material support for 14 missions.
- MSgt Cruell was selected by the 4 FW/CC as STEM team lead for SJAFB Air Show where he led a team of 11 Airmen organizing the 181K sq ft hangar complex enabling 52 exhibits for 300K visitors. He also liaised with 3 units and AF engineers to obtain approval for local manufacture modification and repair of 12 maintenance stands saving $144k in costs.
- MSgt Cruell coordinated efforts between 5 agencies across 3 wings to employ a AMC led team to clear an F-15 from the runway. His team performed a control lift and debogging in 72 hours with the sole installation runway still active, preserving downed aircraft integrity, preventing additional damage, and enabling the return a $53M ACC asset to FMC.
- MSgt Cruell led a MX recovery team for where he collaborated with Boeing to author repair and troubleshooting procedures that were codified in technical orders improving repair guidelines for 6 wings across 2 MAJCOMs. He also obtained his Sherpa Certification coaching 110 maintainers in holistic health fostering team communication and development.
- AMC
MXS Section Chief
911th Air Refueling Squadron
Seymour Johnson AFB, NC
12.2023 - 11.2024
- Manages 17 personnel across 7 different AFSCs. Supplies direct support for 916 MXG operations and a $3.3B fleet of 12 KC-46 aircraft. Coordinates with AFRC counterparts to execute Tanker Airlift Control Center tasks for 2 MAJCOMS, scheduled maintenance, & certification inspection requirements. Oversees technician training & qualification, assures repair accountability, & crafts work center safety policies to guide timely skill level upgrades.
- TSgt Cruell led a 4-person team executing AFRC's first ever KC-46A brake change. The team liaised with 3 units to obtain missing tech data to provide hands-on training for 15 techs increasing sq quals by 40%. Additionally, he headed a training initiative that consolidated 48 courses to eradicate a training backlog enabling 5 skill-level upgrades.
- TSgt Cruell led 17 TF airmen spanning 7 AFSCs to execute 1.1K on & off equipment maintenance actions resolving 141 pilot reported discrepancies. His leadership and influence ensured the execution of the $32.4M FHP flying 1.2K sorties to provide air mobility support to 3 COCOMs garnering 2 Below-the-Zone promotions and 3 gp & 2 4th FW annual awards.
- TSgt Cruell authored the 4 FW's confined space training program qualifying 3 instructors on TTPs to teach 144 first responders & techs across 3 wgs driving 52 safe entries & returning 16 F-15s to FMC. He also liaised with 3 MAJCOMs to provide training on 4 pieces of AGE for 2 airmen enabling the last-minute repair for short-notice POTUS arrival.
- Zachary teamed with QA to locally develop a pressurization tool apparatus for a 1K hour Certification Maintenance Requirement returning aircraft to FMC 2-weeks ahead of schedule & saving the AF $22K in costs. Additionally, he liaised with OSHA to establish a breathing air test protocol rectifying a safety gap in AFRC's bio-environmental program.
- AMC
MXS Section Chief
911th Air Refueling Squadron
Seymour Johnson AFB, NC
12.2023 - 11.2024
- Manages 17 personnel across 7 different AFSCs. Supplies direct support for 916 MXG operations and a $3.3B fleet of 12 KC-46 aircraft. Coordinates with AFRC counterparts to execute Tanker Airlift Control Center tasks for 2 MAJCOMS, scheduled maintenance, & certification inspection requirements. Oversees technician training & qualification, assures repair accountability, & crafts work center safety policies to guide timely skill level upgrades.
- TSgt Cruell led a 4-person team executing AFRC's first ever KC-46A brake change. The team liaised with 3 units to obtain missing tech data to provide hands-on training for 15 techs increasing sq quals by 40%. Additionally, he headed a training initiative that consolidated 48 courses to eradicate a training backlog enabling 5 skill-level upgrades.
- TSgt Cruell led 17 TF airmen spanning 7 AFSCs to execute 1.1K on & off equipment maintenance actions resolving 141 pilot reported discrepancies. His leadership and influence ensured the execution of the $32.4M FHP flying 1.2K sorties to provide air mobility support to 3 COCOMs garnering 2 Below-the-Zone promotions and 3 gp & 2 4th FW annual awards.
- TSgt Cruell authored the 4 FW's confined space training program qualifying 3 instructors on TTPs to teach 144 first responders & techs across 3 wgs driving 52 safe entries & returning 16 F-15s to FMC. He also liaised with 3 MAJCOMs to provide training on 4 pieces of AGE for 2 airmen enabling the last-minute repair for short-notice POTUS arrival.
- Zachary teamed with QA to locally develop a pressurization tool apparatus for a 1K hour Certification Maintenance Requirement returning aircraft to FMC 2-weeks ahead of schedule & saving the AF $22K in costs. Additionally, he liaised with OSHA to establish a breathing air test protocol rectifying a safety gap in AFRC's bio-environmental program.
- AMC
Acft Fuel Sys Asst Sect Chief
4th Component Maintenance Squadron
Seymour Johnson AFB, NC
12.2022 - 11.2023
- Leads ACC's largest F-15E Fuels Section with a team of 48 personnel, oversees a $7M facility, and manages $3M worth of resources, supporting 1 of 5 lead wing operations. Provides work methods and procedures for executing the 4th Fighter Wing's 20K flying hour program across 4 fighter squadrons, operating a fleet of 94 aircraft valued at $5B.
- TSgt Cruell drove 3K on and off equipment maintenance actions, fixed 238 pilot-reported discrepancies, and ensured 15K hours and 11K sorties flown. Additionally, he coordinated 7 multi-capable Airmen teams, bolstering Exercise AGILE LION, Exercise SOUTHERN STRIKE, and Weapon System Evaluation Programs, ultimately contributing to 36 pilot upgrades.
- He dedicated 8 hours to the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, where he counseled 1.5K students and played a key role in achieving the implementation of FAA-endorsed career education in 30 cities. He also led 26 volunteers at the Wings Over Wayne airshow, where his team served over 800 attendees and earned $13K for the CMS Booster Club.
- TSgt Cruell tested prototypes, provided adjustment data, and linked EMS and QA teams to fabricate 26 Conformal Fuel Tank stands that reduced an equipment shortage by 92%. He also analyzed depot-level inspection guidance, eliminating 172 hours of needless preparations, which prevented 79 aircraft NMC days, earning him CMS' NCO of the 2nd Quarter.
- He penned a fuel tank Master Entry Plan, coordinated safety and QA evaluations, rectifying prior ACC UEI findings that safeguarded 86 technicians. Zachary also led the IG's Integrated Combat Turn assessments during Exercise RAZOR TALON, where he identified 262 observations, recommended 52 fixes, an prepared the 4 FW for its Lead Wing certification.
- ACC
Acft Fuel Sys Asst Sect Chief
4th Component Maintenance Squadron
Seymour Johnson AFB, NC
12.2022 - 11.2023
- Leads ACC's largest F-15E Fuels Section with a team of 48 personnel, oversees a $7M facility, and manages $3M worth of resources, supporting 1 of 5 lead wing operations. Provides work methods and procedures for executing the 4th Fighter Wing's 20K flying hour program across 4 fighter squadrons, operating a fleet of 94 aircraft valued at $5B.
- TSgt Cruell drove 3K on and off equipment maintenance actions, fixed 238 pilot-reported discrepancies, and ensured 15K hours and 11K sorties flown. Additionally, he coordinated 7 multi-capable Airmen teams, bolstering Exercise AGILE LION, Exercise SOUTHERN STRIKE, and Weapon System Evaluation Programs, ultimately contributing to 36 pilot upgrades.
- He dedicated 8 hours to the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, where he counseled 1.5K students and played a key role in achieving the implementation of FAA-endorsed career education in 30 cities. He also led 26 volunteers at the Wings Over Wayne airshow, where his team served over 800 attendees and earned $13K for the CMS Booster Club.
- TSgt Cruell tested prototypes, provided adjustment data, and linked EMS and QA teams to fabricate 26 Conformal Fuel Tank stands that reduced an equipment shortage by 92%. He also analyzed depot-level inspection guidance, eliminating 172 hours of needless preparations, which prevented 79 aircraft NMC days, earning him CMS' NCO of the 2nd Quarter.
- He penned a fuel tank Master Entry Plan, coordinated safety and QA evaluations, rectifying prior ACC UEI findings that safeguarded 86 technicians. Zachary also led the IG's Integrated Combat Turn assessments during Exercise RAZOR TALON, where he identified 262 observations, recommended 52 fixes, an prepared the 4 FW for its Lead Wing certification.
- ACC
Education
Bachelor of Science - Human Resources Development
Southwestern College
Winfield, KS09-2020
Associate of Applied Science - Instructor of Tech & Military Science
Air University
Montgomery, AL04-2018
Associate of Applied Science - Aviation Maintenance Technology
Air University
Montgomery, AL03-2018
Skills
- Conflict de-escalation
- Ethical leadership
- Motivation
- Data entry
Accomplishments
Received 3 Air and Space Achievement Medals and 3 Commendation Medals
Certification
Military Sherpa quailfied
Timeline
MXS SECTION CHIEF
911th Air Refueling Squadron
12.2024 - 09.2025
MXS SECTION CHIEF
911th Air Refueling Squadron
12.2024 - 09.2025
MXS Section Chief
911th Air Refueling Squadron
12.2023 - 11.2024
MXS Section Chief
911th Air Refueling Squadron
12.2023 - 11.2024
Acft Fuel Sys Asst Sect Chief
4th Component Maintenance Squadron
12.2022 - 11.2023
Acft Fuel Sys Asst Sect Chief
4th Component Maintenance Squadron
12.2022 - 11.2023
Bachelor of Science - Human Resources Development
Southwestern College
Associate of Applied Science - Instructor of Tech & Military Science
Air University
Associate of Applied Science - Aviation Maintenance Technology
Air University
Duty Titles
- MXS Section Chief, 911th Air Refueling Squadron (AMC), Seymour Johnson AFB, Goldboro, NC, 2024-12-01, 2025-09-30, 304, 0
- MXS Section Chief, 911th Air Refueling Squadron (AMC), Seymour Johnson AFB, Goldboro, NC, 2023-12-01, 2024-11-30, 366, 0
- Acft Fuel Sys Asst Sect Chief, 4th Component Maintenance Squadron (ACC), Seymour Johnson AFB, Goldboro, NC, 2022-12-01, 2023-11-30, 365, 0
Raters
- Michael, Birmingham, CMSgt, USAF, \signed, MFB, 1175702470, 2025-10-20\, Senior Enlisted Leader, 916th Maintenance Squadron (AFRC)
- Anthony, Wallis, MSgt, USAF, \signed, AJW, 1285608410, 2025-02-05\, Maintenance Flight Chief, 911th Air Refueling Squadron (AMC)
- Brandi, Cuevas, MSgt, USAF, \signed, BLC, 1178994138, 2023-12-06\, Acft Fuels Sys Section Chief, 4th Component Maintenance Squadron (ACC)
- Kenneth, Burrows, Lt Col, USAF, \signed, KJB, 1279861023, 2025-02-05\, Commander, 911th Air Refueling Squadron (AMC)
- Jordan, Jacobs, Maj, USAF, \signed, JLJ, 1276588466, 2023-12-18\, Commander, 4th Component Maintenance Squadron (ACC)
Future Roles
- Production Superintendent
- Flight Chief
- QA Chief Inspector
Rank
E-7
Service Component
Air Force, Active
Years Of Service
18
Personal Information
- Title: MXS Section Chief
- ID Number: 1289812616
Aircraft Maintenance NCO of the Year
- TSgt Cruell managed a diverse team of 17 personnel across 7 AFSCs through 1.1K maintenance actions resolving 141 pilot reported discrepancies, and ensured the safety and reliability of 38K flight hours and 348 world-wide sorties.
- Zachary catapulted coordination of 7 multi-capable Airman teams, elevating performance in Exercise AGILE LION, Exercise SOUTHERN STRIKE, and Weapon System Evaluation Programs, ultimately achieving 36 pilot upgrades.
- Zachary directed IG's Integrated Combat Turn assessments during Exercise RAZOR TALON, documented 262 observations, proposed 52 fixes, and prepared the 4 FW for its Lead Wing certification, enhancing combat readiness.
- TSgt Cruell headed the MXS training initiative by organizing 48 courses, conducted audits on 17 training records, resolved 10 errors, and eradicated a training backlog while enabling 5 Airman to achieve 5-level and 7-level upgrades.
- Zachary guided 10 Airman in the forging of 2 conformal fuel tank shipping containers for Boeing's F-15EX program for initial test fit procedures, alleviated fleet future procurement cost of $211M, and earned CMS team of 1st quarter.
- Zachary coordinated a 4-person A-Check team in executing the first-ever KC-46A brake change at Seymour Johnson, marking a pivotal milestone of #1 Main Landing Gear brake removal and install, optimizing fleet and HHQ taskings.
Sgt Cruell liaised with the 4 FW and 372 TRS to provide critical on-equpiment training solutions for 2 AGE Airman. His foresight proved proper use and critical positioning of AGE assets on-site success of local POTUS arrival.
- Zachary tested prototypes and provided critical adjustment data, linking EMS and QA teams to successfully fabricate 26 Conformal Fuel Tank stands, alleviating equipment shortages by 92% and vastly improving operational readiness.
- Commanding the Confined Space Training Program, Zachary authored a comprehensive instructional plan for 4 wing agencies and trained 155 personnel, safeguarding 26 vital fuel cell entries and enhanced overall operational safety.
- TSgt Cruell steered a team of 65 personnel, prepared 22 annual reports and facilitating 8 decorations, which secured 2 SrA Below the Zone, 3 flight, 2 squadron, and 2 annual award wins, immensely enriching unit morale and recognition. JOB KNOWLEDGE (3 BULLETS)
- Zachary locally designed and developed a pressurization tool apparatus for 1000 hour Certification Maintenance Requirement assuring timely completion, returned aircraft 2 weeks ahead of schedule, and saved the Air Force $22k.
- TSgt Cruell detected a Bio-environmental safety hurdle and directed the research and establishment of pioneering breathing air testing protocols, securing the health of 34 Fuel System Repair specialists and elevating facility measures.
- Successfully removed and reinstalled 12 Body Fuel Tanks on 4 aircraft in a swift 1.5-month period, increasing shop capacity by 32% while equipping 5 Traditional Reservists with vital training, significantly advancing mission support. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS (1 BULLET)
- TSgt Cruell excelled as FTAC Lead, orchestrating development briefings across 5 courses, establishing a robust wing network and laying a solid career foundation for 160 Airmen, strengthening unit cohesion and mission readiness.