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With 25 years in military aviation and deep expertise in maintenance technology, I bring practical insights to every project.

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About me

RICKY L. SAMILTON

Saint Augustine, FL (682) 561-2352 · r.samilton@yahoo.com · rlsamilton@gmail.com

AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN (WG-8852 / WG-2610) F-16 / F-35 / C-130 Specialist | U.S. Air Force Veteran (SSgt Ret.)

SUMMARY: Skilled Aircraft Maintenance Technician with 20 years of military and civilian experience supporting F-16, F-35, and C-130 platforms. Proven subject-matter expert in advanced troubleshooting, heavy maintenance, phase inspections, engine removal/installation, and flightline operations. Strong background in high-tempo, deployed, depot, and modification environments with leadership experience supervising maintenance teams and ensuring compliance with technical orders and safety standards.

CORE COMPETENCIES • F-16 Advanced Troubleshooting & Systems Expertise • Aircraft Phase Inspections & Heavy Maintenance • Engine Removal, Installation & Operational Testing • Hydraulics, Fuel Systems & Structural Repair • Flightline Operations & Sortie Generation • Technical Orders (TOs) & Maintenance Documentation • Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE) • Corrosion Control & Prevention • OSHA & Military Safety Compliance • Team Leadership & Maintenance Supervision

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Telephone Service Representative

Crown Outsourcing Inc.--2026

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Handled inbound/outbound customer calls, resolved account issues, and maintained accurate records in CRM systems.

Telephone Service Representative FLS Connect LLC — 2026

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Handled inbound/outbound customer calls, resolved account issues, and maintained accurate records in CRM systems.

Catering Specialist Jackrabbit Deliveries — 2023–2024

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Managed food preparation, delivery coordination, and customer service; ensured safety, sanitation, and timely service.

Production Worker Randstad / Hydro LLC — 2023; 2022

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Performed production-line tasks, quality checks, equipment operation, and workplace safety compliance.

Cook Brisky’s BBQ — 2022

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Prepared menu items, maintained kitchen sanitation, and coordinated with staff to manage high-volume service.

Driver Uber — 2017–2021

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Provided safe, reliable transportation; managed route planning, customer service, and navigation under time constraints.

Customer Financial Services Agent IQOR LLC — 2018–2019

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Managed customer inquiries, payment processing, and account reconciliation while meeting quality and compliance standards.

QF-16 Mechanic II (F-16) Boeing Global Services — 2019–2020

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Performed heavy maintenance and modification work on F-16/QF-16 aircraft supporting sustainment/upgrade programs.

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Diagnosed complex mechanical, hydraulic, and avionics discrepancies using technical orders and engineering data.

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Executed phase inspections, structural repairs, system functional checks; conducted engine removal/installation and operational testing.

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Served as go-to technician for difficult troubleshooting scenarios, reducing downtime and repeat maintenance.

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Maintained strict adherence to safety, QA standards, and maintenance documentation.

F-16 Dedicated Crew Chief / Mechanic III M1 Support Services — 2016–2017

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Led flightline maintenance operations for multiple F-16 aircraft in high-tempo environments.

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Supervised preflight/thru/postflight/end-of-runway inspections; acted as primary aircraft owner for mission readiness.

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Executed hot pit refueling and rapid turnarounds; advised leadership on aircraft status and maintenance priorities.

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Ensured compliance with technical orders, safety regulations, and FOD prevention.

F-16 Technician Daedalus Aviation Services — 2014–2015

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Performed engine removal/installation, rigging, system functional testing, and structural inspections.

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Troubleshot and repaired hydraulic, fuel, and mechanical systems; supervised jacking, towing, and ground handling.

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Interpreted technical manuals and verified installation tolerances and component functionality.

Military Fuels Facility Specialist Swissport Fueling Services — 2014

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Managed aircraft fueling operations in military environments; ensured fuel quality, safety compliance, and accurate fuel documentation.

F-16 Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Technician AMMROC LLC — 2014

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Supported tactical F-16 maintenance operations including inspections, troubleshooting, and launch/recovery support.

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Coordinated with engineering to resolve discrepancies and maintain sortie generation.

F-35 Field & Service Mechanic A Lockheed Martin Aeronautics — 2012–2013

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Supported flightline maintenance and structural assembly operations for F-35 aircraft.

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Performed engine/component removal & installation per technical specifications; assisted in launch/recovery and assembly inspections.

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Worked with engineering to resolve discrepancies and maintained documentation/safety standards.

F-16 Phase APG Technician / Dock Chief DynCorp International (DIFZ) — 2010–2012

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Led phase inspections and heavy maintenance operations on F-16 aircraft; supervised maintenance personnel and validated documentation.

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Performed structural repairs, troubleshooting, and component replacements; coordinated maintenance schedules to meet operational deadlines.

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Served as technical authority for complex maintenance actions and ensured adherence to technical orders.

C-130 Depot Maintenance Mechanic DS2 — 2008–2009

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Conducted depot-level maintenance on wings, fuel cells, and flight surfaces; executed structural repairs and corrosion control.

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Performed fuel cell maintenance, leak detection, defect identification, and corrective actions in overhaul programs.

Ground Service Agent NWA / Pinnacle Airlines — 2008

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Performed ramp operations, aircraft marshaling, baggage handling, and ground support coordination to ensure timely departures.

F-16 Dedicated Crew Chief — Staff Sergeant (SSgt) United States Air Force — 2001–2011

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Performed full-spectrum F16 maintenance including inspections, troubleshooting,

and system functional checks.

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Served as primary crew chief responsible for aircraft condition, readiness, and

sortie generation in deployed/high-tempo operations.

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Led maintenance teams, conducted engine runs, executed all inspection types

(preflight, postflight, phase, special), and enforced TOs and QA standards.

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Additional duties: tool accountability, FOD prevention, towing/jacking, hot pit refueling, and coordination with leadership.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts, Civic Engagement (Summa Cum Laude) Southern New Hampshire University — 2024

Aircraft Maintenance Technology Community College of the Air Force

CERTIFICATIONS • OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety • Confined Space Entry Certification • Secret Security Clearance (Previously Held) • Valid Driver’s License

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION • Willing to travel and deploy worldwide • Experienced in austere and high-tempo environments • Physically capable of lifting, climbing, and confined space work

REFERENCES Available upon request

Contact

Veteran-led aerospace safety and readiness.

Email:

Phone:

samiltonconsulting@gmail.com

682-561-2352

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