Rapid weapons loading showcases skills

Photo By Staff Sgt. Kenneth Holston | U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Randy Therriault, 20th Maintenance Group weapons load crew member, inspects munitions that where rapidly loaded onto an F-16CJ Fighting Falcon by him and his team during a load crew of the year competition, April 18, 2014, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. The 20th Fighter Wing weapons standardization unit held the annual competition which brings together weapons load crew members from all three fighter squadrons at Shaw to compete against each other. The competition showcases Airmen’s skills and job knowledge while also building camaraderie amongst the units. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kenny Holston/Released)  

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, SC, UNITED STATES

04.18.2014

Story by Senior Airman Ashley Gardner 

20th Fighter Wing

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. - The 20th Fighter Wing weapons standardization unit held their annual weapons load crew of the year competition here April 18.

Teams of load crew members from Shaw's three fighter squadrons, the 55th "Shooters," the 77th "Gamblers," and the 79th "Tigers," participated in the competition to find out who would be titled "top load crew" and earn bragging rights for the next year.

"This is a chance to see who is the best load crew in the 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron," said Master Sgt. Neil Stokley, 20th Maintenance Group weapons standardization crew chief. "It provides the load crews an opportunity to display their combat loading skills and have bragging rights for a year."

The load crews are built from three-person teams. Members on each team are responsible for loading operations, filling out the loading checklist, preparing the aircraft and equipment for loading, looking over munitions, and driving the bomb lift trucks.

All three teams are hard workers and have previously won past quarterly load crew competitions. They exhibited strength, commitment, and persistence, explained Senior Master Sgt. James Price, 20th MXG weapons standardization superintendent.

The winners were not announced during the competition but will be presented at the Maintenance Professional of the Year award ceremony April 25.

• Date Taken: 04.18.2014
• Date Posted: 04.23.2014 13:07
• Story ID: 127249
• Location: SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, SC, US