Jason Finch is a sheet metal mechanic leader assigned to the 561st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 402nd Aircraft Maintenance Group, Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex, Robins Air Force Base, GA.
“He is a superior leader committed to utilizing tenants of the art of the possible, which is evident by his accomplishments,” explained Andrew Zirkle, Deputy Flight Chief, 561st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and Finch's nominator. “One such example is his outstanding lean-minded approach to maintenance. He orchestrated a 66% flowday reduction in the depot maintenance machine’s inspection gate going from 45 to 15 days." Finch also spearheaded the first-ever F-15 longeron replacement on an aircraft.
This replacement project resolved chronic F-15 structural issues that plagued the airframe for more than 13 years, extending the service life until at least 2030. He also coordinates the on-the-job training of more than 50 subordinates within his flight,
“Sought out due to his extensive knowledge and reputation regarding F-15 structural maintenance, he was able to test and acquire the latest tooling by local vendors and engineers enhancing his team’s capabilities,” Zirkle said. “When asked, he volunteered his personal time to reassemble a faulty left vertical stab sent to a warfighting customer to serve as a memorial for a fallen aircrew member. Mr. Finch has proven he embodies the United States Air Force core values while performing his daily duties, both on and off duty, recognizing his attitude of ‘Service Before Self' by receiving this prestigious award recognizing his talents and efforts.”
Finch says he has always had an interest in aviation. “Ever since I was a young kid, airplanes have always interested me …” he noted. “I have also always been into military aircraft, that’s the main reason why I chose to work on F-15 fighter jets for the United States Air Force.”
Finch currently works on F-15’s as a structural work leader, but has also worked on cargo jets (C-5). His responsibilities consist of working with his supervisor and other support staff in making sure the mechanics have everything they need to safely do their job.
Finch attended a technical college and got his degree in aircraft structural technology. He also has received several hours of on the job training from the Air Force.
Finch has advanced training in working with inspectors that use none destructive testing inspection to check for cracks and corrosion in, on and around aircraft parts. He is also trained in crash damaged jets and how to recover and locate them somewhere safe to inspect and find out the reason behind the crash.
