Senior Airman Aidan R. Howard is a Dedicated Crew Chief for the F-35A Demonstration Team, 388th Maintenance Group, Hill Air Force Base, Utah. A native of Clovis, N.M., Airman Howard enlisted in the Air Force in April 2022. He is a core F-35A Crew Chief proficient in low-observable maintenance tasks and has supported several multi-national exercises, including ARCTIC CHALLENGE and JOINT FIRE. Airman Howard has also been recognized for fostering partnerships with NATO members on maintenance and cross-servicing of the Joint Strike Fighter. Prior to his current position, Airman Howard was an F-35A Dedicated Crew Chief assigned to the 421st Fighter Generation Squadron, Hill AFB, Utah.
EDUCATION
2022 Basic Military Training, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas
2022 Tactical Aircraft Maintenance, Sheppard AFB, Texas
2022 F-35A Aircraft Maintenance Training, Eglin AFB, Fla.
2022 F-35A Aircraft Maintenance Training, Luke AFB, Ariz.
ASSIGNMENTS
1. November 2022 – June 2023, F-35A Assistant Dedicated Crew Chief, 748th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom
2. June 2023 – December 2024, F-35A Assistant Dedicated Crew Chief, 493d Fighter Generation Squadron, RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom
3. January 2025 – December 2025, F-35A Dedicated Crew Chief, 421st Fighter Generation Squadron, Hill AFB, Utah
4. December 2025 – Present, F-35A Demonstration Team Crew Chief, 388th Maintenance Group, Hill AFB, Utah
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Achievement Medal
Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class April 12, 2022
Senior Airman August 12, 2024
(Current as of March 2026)