Staff Sergeant Jose R. Flores Velez is a Dedicated Crew Chief for the F-35A Demonstration Team, 388th Maintenance Group, Hill Air Force Base, Utah. A native of San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico, Sergeant Flores Velez entered the Air Force in 2018. In his current role, he is responsible for all F-35A scheduled maintenance and inspections, ensuring the aircraft is safe for flight during the airshow season. He has deployed three times in support of global operations, including Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. Prior to his current position, Sergeant Flores Velez was a Dedicated Crew Chief for the 421st Fighter Generation Squadron, Hill AFB, Utah.
EDUCATION
2010 Associate of Mechanical Engineering Technology, Universidad del Turabo (now known as Universidad Ana G. Méndez), Gurabo, Puerto Rico
2012 Associate of Science, Law Enforcement, University College of Criminal Justice, Gurabo, Puerto Rico
2017 Bachelor of Criminology, Universidad del Turabo (now known as Universidad Ana G. Méndez), Gurabo, Puerto Rico
2018 Basic Military Training, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas
2018 Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Training, Sheppard AFB, Texas
2019 F-35 Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Training, Eglin AFB, Fla.
2024 Airman Leadership School, Hill AFB, Utah
ASSIGNMENTS
1. May 2019 – April 2024, Assistant Dedicated Crew Chief, 421st Fighter Generation Squadron, Hill AFB, Utah
2. April 2024 – January 2026, Dedicated Crew Chief, 421st Fighter Generation Squadron, Hill AFB, Utah
3. January 2026 – Present, Dedicated Crew Chief, F-35A Demonstration Team, Hill AFB, Utah
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Commendation Medal
Air and Space Achievement Medal
Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster
Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class August 21, 2018
Senior Airman June 21, 2020
Staff Sergeant October 1, 2024
(Current as of March 2026)