Photo By Senior Airman Luis E. Rios Calderon | U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Cantrell Young, 27th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons...... read more read more
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KADENA AIR BASE, Japan – Teams of Airmen representing the 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 148th AMXS, 154th AMXS and 27th Fighter Generation Squadron competed against each other in the 18th Wing Load Competition of the Quarter, July 19.
The Airmen competing are judged on speed, accuracy, safety and reliability when loading aircraft munitions. They're also evaluated with a 25-question test, uniform dress and appearance, and a toolbox inspection before the loading portion of the competition begins.
The qualification for the quarterly competition is based on the work performance of the Airmen–only the best are selected for the quarterly competitions.
“It gives us the opportunity to show and demonstrate our skills as a team,” said U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Lance Konietzko, 148th AMXS weapons load crew member. “The competition allows us to show others what we can do as far as the mission and how we impact it.”
With pressure from tightened timelines, spectators and peers, the Airmen must look over the missile launchers, bomb racks and the munition itself before they can begin to load, secure it and get ready for flight while ensuring accuracy and safety.
Load crews spend hours mastering their checklists and, while the load competitions do not use live munitions, it replicates what Airmen are equipped to do in a deployed environment.
But, not only does the quarterly event act as a showcase of the load crews’ capabilities, it also promotes friendly competition between the units as they push each other forward while honing their skills in their respective aircrafts.
“You load bombs, see who’s got the fastest time, sharpest uniforms and a toolbox inspection. It’s a cool way to get people from the Air Force together,” said Tech. Sgt. Scott Friedrick, 148th AMXS weapons load crew chief. “It’s a fun thing. Go Bulldogs!”
| Date Taken: | 07.19.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 08.02.2024 00:33 |
| Story ID: | 477293 |
| Location: | KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 42 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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