FORT WORTH, Texas –
My DCMA showcases the Defense Contract Management Agency’s experienced and diverse workforce and highlights what being a part of the national defense team means to them. Today, Steve Jones shares his story.
My name is Steve Jones, and this is “My DCMA.”
I am a quality assurance specialist at DCMA Lockheed Martin Fort Worth here. My job duties include working with an outstanding and diverse team of QASs performing oversight for the F-35 Lightning II program manufacturing and production lines. We are the government’s eyes and ears ensuring our warfighters receive the best platforms needed to defend our great nation.
I have been a part of the DCMA team for four years. I am a retired Air Force veteran. I served 29 years on active duty as an aircraft maintainer. Initially, I was hired by the agency through the Keystone Program, and I started working at DCMA Bell Helicopter in Hurst, Texas. After 14 months, I left the Keystone Program for a positon at DCMA Lockheed Martin Fort Worth, and I have been here since then.
I like working at DCMA because I can continue to serve my country while working with a great team. Our team has a lot in common, and we have a sense of comradery. We ensure quality aircraft are sent to our warfighters, and we take great pride in doing so.
Another great thing about working at my location is that I am back at home. I grew up in Fort Worth. We moved away due to military commitments. But after 32 years away, my family and I moved back. It is great to be back home! Additionally, my grandfather worked at this location for 30 years. Air Force Plant 4 was then named Convair and General Dynamics while he was here. I guess you could say I am carrying on the family tradition. It gives me purpose.
DCMA is important to America’s warfighters because as a former warfighter myself, I know what it’s like to receive and deal with new platforms in the field. We must take pride and have confidence that we are putting the best platforms in the field for our warfighters because that is what they deserve.
The agency celebrated its 20th anniversary two years ago. Twenty years ago, I was serving in the Air Force at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, in a B-1B Lancer bomber aircraft maintenance unit. Our unit had more than 300 maintainers taking care of 20 B-1Bs. It was a busy time putting that much aircraft in the air.
Throughout my time with DCMA, I have seen some changes. The biggest change centered on adjusting to the pandemic requirements. While many employees have worked remotely from home during the pandemic, our QAS teams have continued to work in-plant inspecting aircraft daily. It has been challenging, but I am proud to work with the professionals on our team. We — today’s professionals — shape tomorrow’s future for DCMA. Judging by the people I have had the opportunity to work with, DCMA’s future is in great hands. I’m excited because we get to train those newly assigned to the agency and make positive changes affecting the future workforce and mission requirements.
My goals for this year are simple. I want to continue to take care of my teammates and strive to do the best I can on a daily basis. I have learned communication and building better relationships internally within DCMA and externally with our defense contractors are important, and I plan to work harder in those areas. My future career goals include continuing to work hard on my job, which was my philosophy in the Air Force. I know that if I work hard, good things will happen.
My favorite hobbies include spending time with my children and grandchildren. My wife and I enjoy watching our grandchildren grow and thrive. I also volunteer in the local community at different school events.
Something unique about me is that I didn’t earn a bachelor’s degree until I was 56 years old. Even though that was a great accomplishment, I was more proud to have my children and grandchildren at my graduation watching me as I walked across the stage to receive my diploma. I hope this inspired my grandchildren to pursue their future goals.