Roger G. Crewse…
Author Continued
In October 1974, Roger served as Chief of the Reports and Analysis Division of the Air Force at Norton Air Force Base. He was personally involved in forming the analysis capability for the entire United States Air Force. He revolutionized how airplane accidents were evaluated, leading to the development of a one-of-a-kind, forward-trending accident prevention capability.
He was a true Safety Warrior. During his career in safety analysis, he was directly responsible for modifications and improvements to the F-101, F-102, F-104, and F-106. Most notably, Roger was known for his in-depth study of the F-102 compressor stall problems, which resulted in aircraft modifications, tech order changes, pilot handbook changes, and a drastic reduction in F-102 compressor stalls. Additionally, Roger pinpointed and investigated F-106 post-stall gyrations/spins and inverted spins. By applying his findings in terms of understandable aerodynamics, he was able to isolate the cause of unsuccessful spin recoveries. He developed new spin recovery techniques, which he personally briefed to each F-106 squadron resulting in a marked reduction in this type of accident. His spin recovery techniques are still being taught at the Air Force Academy today.
Roger may be best known for his Coolstone series. Coolstone is the quintessence of all the fighter pilots Roger had ever known. Coolstone could be counted on to get himself regularly into some variety of trouble or mischief. Since Coolstone’s adventures and misadventures were based on actual events to which Air Defense Command aircrews could readily relate, they received instant recognition and served an important role in accident prevention. Roger’s smooth writing style and brilliant character portrayals further enhanced the forcefulness of the safety messages delivered to his eager readers.
His service to the United States Air Force spanned 38 years on active duty and as a civilian. During his service to our country, Roger earned numerous medals and awards, including the Bronze Star, the Air Force Air medal, the Air Force Meritorious Civilian Service Award, and the Air Force Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service, the highest award granted by the Secretary of the Air Force to a civilian employee.
Roger earned the well-deserved reputation of “Mr. Safety” for the Air Defense Command.
