Donald Ridley Email & Phone Number

Ann Arbor, Mi, Us

United States

Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, United States

In my current position as the Aircraft Section Chief, I oversee aircraft maintenance operations with a team of 71 aircraft mechanics focusing on maintaining high-performance standards and compliance with Air Force standards. This position requires strong leadership and organization management skills, including implementing performance standards for the team while mentoring, training, and managing staff to meet aircraft maintenance standards. As a result, we improved team collaboration by defining specific responsibilities for each staff member, leading to more efficient teamwork and shorter maintenance times. I was also able to achieve a 90% QA pass rate on aircraft inspections by fostering strict adherence to quality standards and standard procedures, as well as attention to detail in all aspects of operations.

Kadena Air Base

As a Production Superintendent, I was responsible for directing a team of up to 370 specialists in more than 20,000 aircraft repairs with eight models of aircraft to work on. Improved overall performance by reducing basic maintenance times while improving adherence to QA standards. That also involves coordinating special projects as needed to support high-level operations. Several of my notable achievements included: • Spearheading the support operations for up to 16 F-15 fighter escorts on a security detail for the Speaker of the House, making the first visit to Taiwan in 25 years possible.• Developing a solution for long-standing design problems, including a corrosion problem on F-15 pilot seats, reducing long-term repair costs and the risk of malfunctions in flight. • Reducing F-15 repair costs by $1.5 million while removing 38 days of maintenance from the F-15 maintenance schedule.

Kadena Air Base

As a dedicated Jet Engine Intermediate Maintenance Section Chief, I've led and guided a skilled team of 74 engine technicians, overseeing a remarkable 2,500 engine repairs and managing 11 engine removals. My commitment to excellence extends to implementing Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) practices, which allowed us to re-align 121 engine modules, resulting in the successful production of 21 F-100 engines. This effort led to a significant 21% increase in engine Time on Wing. I'm passionate about delivering results and driving excellence in engine maintenance and reliability.

Kunsan Air Base

As a Specialists Section Chief, I've been at the helm of critical repair operations for a fleet of F-16s, with a strong emphasis on enhancing maintenance procedures to increase aircraft flight time. Part of my commitment to excellence included organizing immersive demonstrations for senior management to foster a deeper understanding of our aircraft, its capabilities, and its maintenance requirements. Among my achievements are managing a $550 million fleet of 22 F-16s, with a focus on reducing maintenance cycle times while ensuring top-notch services to extend each aircraft's operational life. I've also overseen special training projects, resulting in a remarkable 25% growth in team maintenance certifications and successfully onboarding 92 new maintenance team members in a single training event.

Dyess Afb

As a proactive Test Cell Section Chief, I took the lead in implementing rigorous safety protocols for engine development and testing procedures. Through the diligent enforcement of these safety processes at every testing and preparation stage, I significantly reduced incidents and injuries, ensuring a safer working environment. This commitment resulted in the production of up to 50 new engine units while maintaining a remarkable 96% quality assurance pass rate. Notable achievements include leading investigations into engine damage incidents, utilizing various methods to identify root causes and the extent of damage for more effective and comprehensive repairs. Furthermore, I restructured operations to enhance staff training and management, resulting in a remarkable 160% increase in maintenance team capabilities across two $8 million test cell facilities.

Dyess Afb

In my role as the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC), I undertook the responsibility of overseeing two Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSCs) and managing a team of 14 personnel across 30 programs. Through precision and leadership, I not only ensured the efficient management of these programs but also played a crucial role in nurturing future leaders within the organization.

Dyess Afb

In my role as a Jet Engine Intermediate Maintenance Production Supervisor, I embraced the opportunity to drive significant improvements in our operations. To enhance production metrics in support of Air Force operations, I introduced stringent quality control measures for engine maintenance and production processes. This entailed a strategic restructuring of our teams, forming specialized workgroups to handle specific tasks, ultimately resulting in more focused processes and a commendable 10% reduction in reported quality issues from flight crews. Additionally, I streamlined internal processes, including documentation and administrative tasks, achieving an impressive 99% documentation pass rate. Notable accomplishments include the implementation of more effective data security practices, leading to a 12-month streak of zero tech data violations. I also managed to eliminate 1,400 hours of engine downtime from maintenance schedules through rigorous inspections that determined maintenance was unnecessary.

Dyess Afb

In my role as an F101 Engine Maintenance Supervisor, I've been instrumental in ensuring the readiness of the nation's B-1 fleet. Leading a team of 8 skilled professionals, we've been responsible for managing the production and maintenance of 330 jet engines valued at $1.3 billion, directly contributing to our nation's defense preparedness.Key Achievements:•Ensured Air Combat Command (ACC) war readiness by meticulously dismantling, assembling, inspecting, and repairing B-1 engine components in strict compliance with Technical Orders (TO) and Air Force Instructions (AFI).•Orchestrated a critical examination of IGV incidents and led a 10% check of the 7th Bomb Wing's B-1 fleet. This revealed an alarming 80% failure rate, which prompted the immediate initiation of OTI (One Time Inspection) and repair of 123 F101 engines.•Directed the Section's Repairable Asset Program, efficiently managing and tracking 126 items valued at $4.1 million. This achievement resulted in an impressive 98% on-time turn-in rate, significantly enhancing overall mission readiness.

Dover Afb

As an Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor, I adeptly managed a wide array of crucial responsibilities, including the execution of 26 Isochronal Home Station Checks (HSC) and 39 Hardpoint inspections for a fleet of 13 C-17 aircraft, with a total value of $2.6 billion. My qualifications encompassed engine run, borescope, blade blend, and APU expertise, and I was proficiently trained in all crew chief tasks. Some of my notable achievements encompass:• Expertly spearheaded a 180-day HQ tire inspection, entailing the replacement of 210 tires, with a remarkable outcome of zero mission losses and substantial cost savings of $200,000 in aircraft recovery expenses.• Swiftly responded to address an inoperative cargo winch, efficiently cannibalizing the assembly in under 30 minutes, thus facilitating the seamless download of Marine One.• Earned a distinguished role in the Israel mitigation team, where I orchestrated a total of 20 C-17 aircraft sorties, resulting in the successful transportation of 525 tons of cargo and 225 passengers, a mission critical to the Presidential visit's overall success.

Osan, Gyeonggi, South Korea

Minot, North Dakota, United States

Minot, North Dakota, United States

Sheppard Afb

Bachelor Of Science In Management Studies, Management Studies

Expected

Associates Of Science In Aviation Maintenance Technology, Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science And Technology, General