Lt. Col. Darrell Crowe (center), an assistant professor of aerospace engineering at the Air Force Institute of Technology, stands with Chris Harkless (left) and Lt. Austin Park (right) during a student's Test Pilot School F-16 flight test at Edwards AFB. Crowe is retiring after 22 years of Air Force service. (Contributed photo)

By: Christy Bui, CTR.
Air Force Institute of Technology

The Air Force Institute of Technology is preparing to bid farewell to a valued member of its faculty, Lt. Col. Darrell Crowe, who is retiring after 22 years of dedicated service to the United States Air Force. As an assistant professor of aerospace engineering within AFIT’s Graduate School of Engineering and Management’s Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Crowe has not only shaped the minds of countless students but has also contributed significantly to the advancement of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) research. His passion for flight, coupled with a remarkable ability to translate complex concepts into practical knowledge has left an indelible mark on AFIT and its community.

Crowe’s decision to join the Air Force was sparked by a presentation at a Texas A&M American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics student chapter meeting in 2003. As Crowe recalled, "An Air Force captain, who was also an AFIT doctoral student, gave a compelling presentation on aerospace engineering in the USAF. Five of us in attendance were so inspired, we decided to join after that talk." This anecdote highlights the significant influence AFIT has in attracting talented individuals to serve their country.

His appreciation for the AFIT environment and love of teaching led him to pursue a faculty position. "I originally thought I’d stop at a master’s degree, but I’ve spent 13 years of my 22-year career at AFIT as a student or faculty member, so about 60% of my career has been in academia," Crowe explained.  

“After I graduated and moved to my next unit at Eglin AFB, I kept coming back to AFIT to sponsor research projects and recruit students. I had always enjoyed teaching, coaching, and mentoring, so when an opportunity arose to apply for the faculty pipeline, I jumped at the chance," said Crowe. Crowe later returned to AFIT through a direct hire process after a tour at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). 

Within AFIT’s Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics, Crowe played a pivotal role in educating students on the intricacies of CFD. His expertise was so encompassing that he taught all four of the CFD courses offered by AFIT at one point or another. Crowe's impact extended beyond the classroom through his impactful research portfolio. With a strong emphasis on applied CFD, he delved into diverse topics, including weapons aerodynamics, advanced propulsion aerodynamics, high-speed aerodynamics, and flight testing.

Looking back on his career, one of Crowe's most memorable moments occurred just last year. "For my entire career, the only USAF aircraft I had flown in was a C-130 at Officer Training School," he recounted. "Then, while at Edwards AFB for an AFIT student's Test Pilot School flight test, I got an incentive ride in an F-16! We spent an hour doing all kinds of aerobatics and high-g maneuvers, and I got to experience the theoretical aerodynamics I've been teaching for so many years," said Crowe. That flight served as a tangible culmination of his dedication to both the theory and practice of aerospace engineering.

For both new military faculty and new students, Crowe offers sage advice, “The first year you spend a disproportionate amount of time preparing to teach your classes, which is important. But don’t forget to also work on publications, otherwise you’ll feel behind the rest of your assignment.”

“To students he emphasizes, “AFIT can be really tough, but we aren’t intentionally trying to weed you out. If you put in the time and effort, you have a great chance of graduating, so seek resources early on and don’t be afraid or too proud to ask for help!”

Though retiring from active duty, Crowe will continue to contribute to the Air Force mission. "First, [I will] take some time off to spend with my family and travel to several national parks. This fall I’ll come back on base working as a contractor at the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC)."

Crowe's career is a testament to the power of inspiration, the importance of mentorship, and the value of dedication to both teaching and research. From the AFIT presentation that sparked his Air Force journey to his impactful work in computational fluid dynamics, he inspired countless others along the way. AFIT extends its deepest gratitude to Lt. Col. Crowe for his 22 years of service and wishes him all the best in his future endeavors.

AFIT’s GSEM provides in-residence and distance learning graduate degrees and certificates in engineering, applied science, mathematics and management. GSEM provides its students with several significant advantages, including a more personalized educational experience, academic programs with a defense-related focus, and research on high-priority defense problems.  

AFIT’s Graduate School of Engineering and Management (GSEM) provides in-residence and distance learning graduate degrees and certificates in engineering, applied science, mathematics and management. GSEM provides its students with several significant advantages, including a more personalized educational experience, academic programs with a defense-related focus, and research on high-priority defense problems.  

About AFIT 
AFIT is located at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. AFIT’s mission is to educate defense professionals to innovatively accomplish the deterrence and warfighting missions of the USAF and USSF. AFIT’s vision is to lead defense-focused education, research and consultation to accelerate military superiority across all domains and is accomplished through operationally relevant advanced academic education, research, and professional continuing education. For more information, please visit the AFIT webpage https://www.afit.edu/ or contact AFIT.EN.Outreach@us.af.mil.