At Stevens Aerospace, we’re celebrating 75 years of service, innovation, and excellence — and the true foundation of that legacy is our people. Technicians like Richard Law remind us that it’s not just what we do, but how we do it — with heart, dedication, and a relentless drive to go the extra mile for our customers.
From Navy Aircraft to AOG Rescue Missions
Richard’s journey into aviation began in 1997 when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. As an aviation structural mechanic, he worked on a variety of aircraft during his two-decade military career. His first assignment was at HM-14 in Norfolk, VA, where he supported the massive MH-53E helicopters. That hands-on, mission-critical experience set the stage for everything that would follow.
After retiring from the Navy, a move across the country — and a simple Facebook post — led Richard to Stevens Aerospace. A friend suggested he check out an AOG technician opening, and the rest is history. He’s now been part of the Stevens family for six years, helping grow the AOG team into what he proudly calls “a regional powerhouse.”
Living the AOG Life
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to be part of an AOG team, Richard paints a vivid picture: unpredictable calls, tight turnarounds, heavy troubleshooting, and strategic planning on the fly. "You never know if the next job is a simple fix or a three-day challenge that requires specialized tooling and coordination," he explains. "I love not knowing what’s next."
And sometimes, those “unknowns” turn into the stories that define a career. One of Richard’s proudest moments was a rescue mission in Oklahoma City. After diagnosing the problem on-site, he didn’t wait for parts to be shipped — he drove 12 hours to pick them up himself. Thanks to his hustle, the aircraft was up and flying 24 hours ahead of schedule. That kind of dedication isn’t rare at Stevens — it’s expected, and it’s why customers trust the name.
A Family Behind the Fast Pace
While many are drawn to the high-stakes, fast-moving world of AOG, Richard stays for the people. “It doesn’t feel like a money-making machine here,” he says. “It feels like a team that truly takes care of one another — and our customers.” That deep camaraderie is something he first found in the Navy, and now experiences every day at Stevens.
Even as the technology advances, Richard emphasizes the importance of staying grounded in fundamentals. “Check and recheck,” he says. “You can never be too sure about your work.” It’s a mindset he brings to every job — imagining his own daughters flying on the aircraft he services — and one that defines the culture we’re proud to uphold.
Looking Ahead, Staying Grounded
To those just getting started in aviation, Richard offers a simple piece of advice: “Be patient. Start small. Learn everything you can.” With the field evolving rapidly and systems becoming increasingly digital, he stresses the importance of computer literacy and continuous learning.
When asked to describe Stevens in just a few words, Richard doesn’t hesitate: “Small company with big results and people.” After 75 years, that’s still exactly who we are — because of people like him.