442nd Fighter Wing maintainer earns AF-level award

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Mark Mock
  • 442nd Maintenance Squadron
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Air Force reservist, Master Sgt. Brian Bass, a structural maintenance supervisor in the 442nd Fighter Wing's 442nd Maintenance Squadron, was recognized by the Air Force as he was awarded the "Hog Star" award, Jan. 27, at the annual World Wide Review conference held at Hill Air Force Base, Utah.

The award was for a single individual of outstanding contribution to the overall improvement for the combined Air Force.

Sergeant Bass was requested by the A-10 Systems Program Office Engineering and the Chief of Air Combat Command to participate on three different validation/verifications for the center wing crack repair designs.

"I believe the reason I was selected is that the 442nd has continually been observed as the lead participant providing changes and improvement inputs to the SPO Engineering at Hill AFB," Sergeant Bass said. "Our involvement at A-10 product improvement working group conferences and for the new Boeing wing designs."

According to Sergeant Bass he was able to provide 30 years of field level experience and capability to the engineers that would normally not be visible to them.

"The 442nd never has been a unit to brag on themselves," Sergeant Bass said. "Our expertise and aircraft speak for themselves and always has.

Sergeant Bass, an Air Reserve Technician, was selected from nominees throughout the Guard, Reserve and active duty forces.