Sergeant receives Air Force's top maintenance honor

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Julius Delos Reyes
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  A 31st Maintenance Squadron sergeant recently received the Lieutenant General Leo Marquez Award for the Supervisor and Technician category.

Tech. Sgt. Derek Bibber demonstrated the highest degree of sustained performance, knowledge and efficiency in maintenance for his job as a 31st MXS Inspection Section assistant chief.

"Just to be associated with Lieutenant General Leo Marquez is such an honor," Sergeant Bibber said. "It is a prestigious award. I never thought I would receive it. I'm very honored and proud to represent the Air Force and General Marquez, let alone his award."

During fiscal 2009, he led 26 crew chiefs in maintaining 50 F-16 Fighting Falcons. As the assistant inspection section chief, he managed 31 400-hour aircraft inspections, returning 12,400 flight hours to the 31st Fighter Wing's flying hour program. Setting up the phase for block 50 F-16s, he cut limiting factors, enabling the fighter wing to fly 7,100 sorties. The sergeant masterminded shed maintenance with 10 agencies, merging 31 inspections, and 516 time compliance technical orders, which saved 598 hours for concurrent maintenance.

"Sergeant Bibber is extremely knowledgeable on the F-16 aircraft," said Senior Master Sgt. Mike Jennings, 31st MXS maintenance flight chief. "His initiative and dedication to the job is absolutely phenomenal. I feel the Lieutenant General Leo Marquez Award could not go to a more deserving individual."

In addition, Sergeant Bibber directed 31st FW's first F-16 Block 50 phase inspection and initiated 11 depot-level repairs. He developed a rudder panel installation checklist, incorporating it into the 31st Maintenance Group's in-progress inspection listing and preventing an asset loss of $32,000. He also recovered, serviced and launched 112 area of responsibility rotator aircraft, helping in the deployment and redeployment of 28,000 combatants.

Moreover, Sergeant Bibber led 11 local national tours and briefed 611 people, boosting community relations. The Homestead, Fla., native was also one of the first responders in two real-world medical emergencies, providing initial care.

"I am accepting this award on behalf of the 31st Maintenance Flight," Sergeant Bibber said. "Because of their hard work and dedication to their job, to long hours and complex schedule, I have this award. This award wouldn't be possible without them."