In Pa. Air Wing, Custom ‘Nose Art’ Is Part of the Uniform

171st Air Refueling Wing crew chiefs add unique designs to their assigned jets

By Evan Dougherty

Published July 2, 2021

Read Time: 6 mins

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Editor’s note: This story was originally published on Oct. 26, 2020. It has been republished for the Fourth of July holiday.

A 62-year-old Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker waits for a routine maintenance check inside a hangar at the 171st Air Refueling Wing.

But for Master Sgt. Brian Curzi, a crew chief at the 171st, this is not just any airplane. Not only is his name on the side of the aircraft, it carries a unique artistic signature he designed right below the cockpit.

Featuring a jet emerging from molten steel pouring out of a ladle, the nose art serves as a reference to a prior aircraft assigned to the 171st and as a tribute to Curzi’s family.

“My father retired 47 years from the steel mill industry, so I wanted to dedicate it to him,” Curzi said. “It was a nice retirement gift for him at the time I got this painted onto the aircraft.”

“Old Iron II” features a jet emerging from molten steel pouring out of a ladle, (Photo by Evan Dougherty)

The nose art, named “Old Iron II,” also includes hidden references to Curzi’s mother and a friend who has passed away.

“It’s something that you strive for at the beginning of your career: becoming an aircraft mechanic and being able to have your name on your own jet you get to take care of,” Curzi added. “It’s something that is a part of you once it is on the aircraft.”

“Old Iron II” is one of many designs crew chiefs at the 171st have commissioned for aircraft over the years.

As part of the Air National Guard’s Dedicated Crew Chief Program, Master Sgt. Brian Curzi is one of several crew chiefs that personalized an aircraft at the 171st Air Refueling Wing. (Photo by Beth Hollerich)

It’s all thanks to the Air National Guard’s Dedicated Crew Chief Program. Unlike U.S. Air Force active duty and reserves, Guard crew chiefs are assigned to maintain a single aircraft in a squadron for as much time as possible. This includes traveling with their aircraft around the world, whether for training or deployment for combat operations.

As a part of the program, the 171st allows its crew chiefs to personalize their assigned aircraft with nose art, something that has made the wing recognizable throughout the Air Force.

Of the 16 KC-135s operated by the 171st, six currently have nose art.

Designs are created by an aircraft’s crew chief and a sketch is made with the help of local artist Donna Mrdjenovich.

It is then reviewed by the wing commander, who may suggest alterations of the design in order to remain under appropriate regulations and guidelines. Ultimately, it is passed to the National Guard Bureau for final approval.