For most Airmen, having the opportunity to travel to Australia for a Bomber Task Force deployment is a once in a lifetime experience. For Tech. Sgt. Chase Frazee, this deployment now has even more significance because he had the opportunity to accomplish the last 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 is the noncommissioned officer in charge of the hydraulics section. In this position, Frazee leads 30 Airmen to accomplish troubleshooting and maintenance for all hydraulically operated components on the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, to include flight controls, landing gear, weapons systems, and more to keep the aircraft operational.
Reenlistment in a Foreign Country
Reenlisting in a foreign country is a special opportunity for service members tasked to deploy overseas. The ceremony took place at Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley, Australia, on August 23, 2024. Airmen may request any commissioned officer, including Commissioned warrant officers in the grade of CW2, CW3 and CW4, regardless of component in the U.S. Armed Forces to perform their ceremony. Captain Kaylynn Harms, 110th EBS, sortie generation flight commander, had the honor of reenlisting Frazee into the USAF.
“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 June 27, 2010 and has experienced highs and lows throughout his career, but has used his experiences to better himself.
“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.”
Advice for Young Airmen
In the spirit of the knowledge and experience he has gained throughout his 14 years in the Air Force, Frazee has the following advice for Airmen just getting started with their Air Force careers.
“My advice for the younger Airmen is this; have humility and seek knowledge. Take advantage of the 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.”
Friends and mentors aren’t the only key supporters that have helped Frazee throughout his career. He says that he wouldn’t be where he is today without his wife, Kellie.
“She has been my rock and supported every PCS, special duty assignment, TDY, 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!”
The Next Chapter
Frazee’s reenlistment in Australia marks the beginning of a new chapter in his Air Force career. He is now committed to serving for at least 20 years, and he is excited to see what the future holds. He plans to continue to serve his country with pride and dedication, and he is grateful for the opportunities that the Air Force has given him.
This event highlights the dedication and commitment of Airmen like Frazee who choose to dedicate their lives to serving their country. With a strong support system and a passion for his work, Frazee’s journey in the Air Force is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams, even if it means taking a few “shots in the dark” along the way.
