Photo By Airman 1st Class Alexa Hunt | Weapons load crew members assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing and 27th SOW stand at attention before the start of an Air Force Special Operations Command Weapons Load Competition at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Aug. 7, 2026. The annual competition challenges weapons load crews to safely and effectively load munitions as fast as possible while maintaining technical proficiency to bolster mission readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexa Hunt) see less
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AFSOC Airmen compete for Weapons Load Crew of the Year
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. – Air Force Special Operations Command’s top weapons load crews competed for best load crew of the year at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Aug. 7, 2026.
The annual event pitted the best three-person teams from the 1st Special Operations Wing and 27th SOW against each other as they raced to load munitions on an AC-130J Ghostrider while maintaining technical proficiency.
The team from the 1st SOW came out on top, earning the title and a permanent spot on the trophy.
“This competition is no different from our day-to-day operations,” said a 27th SOW load crew member. “We support presidential taskings, maintain rapid-response commitments and deploy around the world. That pressure is always there, so we learn to operate effectively under it.”
Weapons load crews are responsible for ensuring aircraft are properly configured and ready to support operations around the globe. The high-tempo competition is designed to replicate the demands weapons specialists may encounter during deployed operations, where aircraft generation timelines can directly impact mission execution.
“We are showcasing our competence, professionalism and speed,” said a 1st SOW load crew member. “This competition demonstrates that we can safely and efficiently load munitions whenever the mission requires it.”
Beyond testing technical proficiency, the competition provided an opportunity for Airmen from Cannon and Hurlburt to exchange knowledge, compare best practices and strengthen relationships across AFSOC.
“We are a big part of getting the aircraft off the ground with munitions ready to go,” said a 1st SOW load crew member. “Preparing those weapons helps ensure we remain mission ready.”
According to competition organizers, events such as the AFSOC Weapons Load Competition reinforce the critical role weapons specialists play in maintaining a highly trained, lethal force capable of generating combat power anytime, anyplace.
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