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Passion for airplanes leads crew chief to the paint brush

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Dani Shea
  • 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
CHARLESTON S.C. --  Technical Sergeant Nicholas Powell has a passion for airplanes.

A crew chief and air reserve technician with the 315th Maintenance Squadron, he has spent the past 28 years of his Air Force career here at Charleston Air Force Base S.C., working on aircraft and he is not ready to leave any time soon. Sergeant Powell reenlisted for an additional six years Saturday, May 1.

However, working on the aircraft isn't enough for this longtime fan of aviation. Rather quiet in nature, Sergeant Powell chooses to express himself through his many artistic endeavors. Be it painting on walls or plywood or building something from nothing, Sergeant Powell has donated numerous works to Charleston Air Force Base.

The son of a graphic artist, Sergeant Powell has had no formal training. He just does what comes naturally.

"I've been painting since I was a kid," said Sergeant Powell. "I could paint before I could write."

Throughout his career he has put in countless hours to painting scenes of aviation and building model airplanes from scratch.

Some of the murals have been taken down over the years as a result of building changes and construction, said Sergeant Powell. However, one of his most recent creations are still intact.

"Lieutenant Morrison, the officer-in-charge, asked me to do a painting with a C-17 for hangar 700," said Sergeant Powell. "I came up with the idea of a C-17 flying over the [Arthur Ravenel Jr.] bridge."

"What started as a simple suggestion quickly morphed into a successful project undertaken by the whole flight," said Lt James Morrison 437th Maintenance Flight, Charleston AFB. "Several slogans were submitted by our airmen then voted on by the entire flight. TSgt. Powell took over from there."

Using down time at work, as well as, personal off-duty time, Sergeant Powell was able to complete the beautification project within two weeks.

Although his projects are very time-consuming, Sergeant Powell enjoys the process and the finished products. He has artwork on display at Starlifter Lanes and the Aero Club. He also has seven model airplanes on display at the Charleston Club.

"Aside from showcasing the talents of Sergeant Powell, flight leadership believes the mural will leave a lasting impression on current and future maintenance flight members," said Lt. Morrison.