WC Missouri News

For most Airmen, the opportunity to travel to Australia for a Bomber Task Force deployment is a rare experience. For Tech. Sgt. Chase Frazee, this deployment holds additional significance as he completed the final re-enlistment of his U.S. Air Force career.

“After watching Steve Irwin wrestle crocodiles and swim with sharks my entire childhood, I’ve always dreamed of visiting Australia,” said Frazee. “The opportunity to re-enlist in Australia with some of my closest friends has been next-level and I find myself extremely lucky!”

Frazee is currently assigned to the 110th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, where he serves as the noncommissioned officer in charge of the hydraulics section. In this role, he leads 30 Airmen in troubleshooting and maintaining all hydraulically operated components on the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, including flight controls, landing gear, and weapons systems.

“This reenlistment was significant due to it being my final and ‘indefinite’ reenlistment, a choice that will allow me to complete my Air Force career with over 20 years in the service,” Frazee explained. “I’ve nearly separated from the Air Force three times to pursue other interests, but it’s the people I work with and opportunities like this that I’ve realized are so important to me."

Frazee joined the Air Force on June 27, 2010, and has experienced both highs and lows throughout his career but has used these experiences for personal growth.

“I’ve taken many shots in the dark and landed some great assignments and even better friendships,” said Frazee. “I listened to what friends and mentors had to say about career advancement and opportunities within reach, bounced back from life-changing mistakes and became more wise through experience. However, every decision that accelerated my career to this point started with advice and input from others around me.”

Reflecting on his 14 years in the Air Force, Frazee offered advice for new Airmen beginning their careers.

“My advice for younger Airmen is this: have humility and seek knowledge. Take advantage of smaller opportunities that feed you the knowledge to make your end-goals achievable,” said Frazee. “The only way to finish eating an elephant is one bite at a time.”

Frazee also acknowledged key supporters who have helped him throughout his career, particularly his wife Kellie.

“She has been my rock and supported every PCS [Permanent Change of Station], special duty assignment, TDY [Temporary Duty Assignment], 12-hour shift, countless exercises, and every bold decision I’ve made that impacted my time with her,” said Frazee. “She keeps me motivated and guided in the right direction. She is truly incredible and deserves more recognition than my re-enlistment!”