Photo By Staff Sgt. Jose Miguel Tamondong | U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Eva Castillo, a 757th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron,...... read more read more
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NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Sin City Showdown, this quarters load crew competition, hosted by the Nellis Weapons Standardization team, coincided with Red Flag 24-3 from July 24 to July 26, was one of the largest load competitions at Nellis.
Weapons standardization teams from across the Air Force gathered at Nellis to test their effectiveness against some of the best. Teams were first tested as individuals, with fitness and written tests. Then the crews came together and competed in the practical portion of the load competition.
“The heat wasn’t too bad. Being a Vegas local, we are used to it. Compared to the 120 degrees we felt at the beginning of July, 109 is a breeze,” said Staff Sgt. Andrews Madison, 757th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, weapons load crew member. “I saw Airmen pushing themselves while their units and leadership cheered and gave support.”
A load competition typically has participants from seven units or less. It is a competitive exhibition where weapons load crews ensure aircraft readiness and expertly handle munitions while fighting against the clock. However, this load competition, held during Red Flag 24-3, was not typical. Instead, this competition featured weapons load crews from Red Flag participants: Spangdahlem AB, Shaw AFB, Seymour Johnson AFB, Langley AFB, and Hill AFB, in addition to Nellis's own teams to compete for the title of Load Crew of the Quarter.
“The Sin City Showdown competition marks the Air Force’s first-ever event of its kind, with 13 units vying for victory simultaneously,” said Senior Master Sgt. Jarman Gilmore, Weapons Standardization, superintendent. “It’s all about showcasing our Airmen's technical, mental and physical proficiency in generating airpower.”
Advanced training brings forth modern tactics that trim down timelines and ensure units have mission-ready Airmen that can perform high-end warfighting anywhere, anytime. This load competition takes place during Red Flag, an exercise focused on strengthening air dominance across all domains of air warfare, including space, cyberspace, and ground operations.
“Our Airmen bring their A-game to these load crew competitions. The best crews from each unit are chosen to showcase their skills and compete for the title of 57th Wing’s Load Crew of the Quarter,” said Gilmore. “What sets this event apart is that the Nellis team will defend their reputation and title against crews at Nellis participating in Red Flag 24-3.”
Thirteen units worked with a variety of airframes including the A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-22 Raptor, and the F-35 Lightning II. Every team worked hard to cut off a few precious seconds while ensuring munitions are handled safely. Small problems were fixed with precision and all crew members contributed to the success of the mission.
“When they get to this level and are competing, they move as one and with a huge sense of urgency,” said Staff Sgt. Blake Bush, 57th Maintenance Group, load competition evaluator.
Weapons standardization is crucial for mission readiness. Nellis's load crews consistently exceed the Air Force's proficiency standards. They swiftly prepare aircraft at a moment's notice, showcasing their unflappable mental and physical capacity built up from their exceptional training.
Of the 13 units competing, only one can win and claim the title of Load Crew of the Quarter. The title ultimately was earned by Langley AFB's 94th Fighter Generation Squadron, known as the “SPADS” with their F-22 Raptor airframe.
“Going up against seven other units is hard, but adding six more from six other bases was nerve-wracking,” said Madison. “I would say that my crew felt competitive and a little territorial, I was hoping a Nellis unit would win. But it was cool and bittersweet to see Langley’s load crew show off their skills and win.”
Advanced training builds confident leaders who craft team-oriented goals. Lessons learned at Nellis will remain with the Airmen wherever they go, be it home or in a deployed environment.
| Date Taken: | 08.05.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 08.08.2024 13:54 |
| Story ID: | 477998 |
| Location: | NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, NEVADA, US |
| Web Views: | 89 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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