Photo By Airman 1st Class Halley Clark | U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Andrew Klopfenstein, left, 122nd Fighter Wing precision...... read more read more
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BAER FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ind. — The 122nd Fighter Wing's ammunition shop inspects, stores, transports and maintains munitions, both live and inert. The Ammo shop thrives in an environment of camaraderie, where playful jabs and lively laughter fuel a culture of dedication and excellence. Amidst the banter, though, they remain focused on mission success, strict safety protocols and continuous preparation for the future.
Their eyes narrowed, locking onto the intricate framework of the bomb before them. Like a surgeon in the operating room, they were laser-focused. One wrong move could be deadly. But they had trained for this moment, and they were ready.
ISIS was advancing, and these Airmen knew the gravity of their situation. The munitions they were building would terminate the terrorist organization's progress. Their hands and wrenches were the last to touch the bombs before they reached their targets. Motivation was high. However, there was one problem: they had to produce more bombs faster than ever before. So, they dug their boots into the Turkish earth, where they were deployed and got to work. Day after day and night after night, the team worked in shifts to continue the nonstop output of bombs.
In just 90 days in early 2016, they built more than 1,500 bombs that were deployed to known terrorist locations in the Middle East. During one successful mission, a prominent ISIS enemy combatant was eliminated.
"What felt the best was when those aircraft came back with nothing on them," said Master Sgt. Andrew Klopfenstein, 122nd Fighter Wing precision-guided munitions assistant noncommissioned officer. "We did what was asked of us, what seemed like an unrealistic task, but we somehow got it done. We met the mission."
The Airmen were elated that they had achieved their mission goals and safeguarded the United States' interests. Their bombs suspended ISIS operations. Although they were behind the scenes, the armaments and ammunition teams, referred to as Ammo or the Ammo shop, proved essential to the mission's success.
"Without the Ammo shop, the fighter wing wouldn't be a fighter wing," said Klopfenstein. "There wouldn't be any explosives for the aircraft to drop, no fire extinguisher carts for the aircraft, no explosive ejection seat components and no ammunition for security forces."
Armaments and ammunition jobs have been around since the dawn of the American military, but the job is more than just making bombs and watching things explode.
"Attention to detail is the most important thing in the Ammo shop," said Staff Sgt. Isabelle Friedt, a 122nd Fighter Wing munitions specialist. "You need to make sure you're listening to your supervisors, you're doing things as a team and you're also checking each other."
Teamwork is constantly present in the 122nd Fighter Wing Ammo shop. At their drill weekend, Friedt explained that her coworkers divide into different sections. For example, they may go to the missile shop, trailer shop or control center, to name a few. This system ensures a seamless operation. Even though their team is divided into different locations and functions for the day, they remain in communication to provide mission support to the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, which they supply munitions. From there, they do their daily activities, such as building bombs and inspections.
However, their operations are not without challenges. Without proper training, attention to detail and diligence for safety, there could be dire consequences. Detonation is not the only concern, as even training bombs are full of heavy cement, which could lead to potential harm if safety procedures are not observed.
For instance, the 122nd Fighter Wing's Ammo shop capabilities were tested when the unit began aircraft conversion in 2023. Airmen that initially receiving hands-on training for the A-10 Thunderbolt II needed retraining for the F-16. Maintainers base-wide prepared for transitioning from an attack aircraft to a fighter. Not only would the aircraft mission change, but things like the aircraft munitions would also change. So, the Ammo shop had to adapt fast to ensure the conversion succeeded.
"It has been a challenge with conversion, but I think we've been killing it," said Friedt. "They've been great about training us on things and doing practice runs before we deal with the real thing."
Despite the focus on munitions, the first thing noticed upon entering the 122nd Fighter Wing's Ammo shop isn't the inert bomb displays outside or the awards on the walls; it's the strong sense of camaraderie. Their relationship is more than work. Whether going out to supper after the drill weekend ends, providing mentorship, giving advice, lending a hand, or supporting one another through a hard time, they are present for each other. In their breakroom, they proudly display a large group photo printed on a banner from the base's annual volleyball game, taken after a game victory. They are not shy about their connection; they sometimes describe themselves as a family.
"It does not matter who you are or your background," says Klopfenstein. "If you care about the job, the team and its success, there's nothing in this shop we wouldn't do for each other."
Looking ahead, their sense of teamwork and camaraderie will continue to play a constant role in their job. They are currently training with the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) operational concept, a method that emphasizes flexibility, adaptability and multi-capable Airmen. ACE is currently a concept implemented Air Force wide to train Airmen how to operate in dispersed locations away from large bases.
While deployed in scattered locations, Airmen will need a broader skill set, something they are actively preparing for. The Ammo shop Airmen have accordingly been trained to perform both their jobs, as well as other shops jobs. If an adversary attacks, they and the rest of the Air Force will be ready.
The shop's versatility and adaptability ensure it meets the demands of an ever-evolving mission. When asked to describe the armaments and ammunition teams in one word, Klopfenstein put it best, "Ammo is boomin'."
| Date Taken: | 02.07.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 02.13.2025 13:03 |
| Story ID: | 490340 |
| Location: | FORT WAYNE, INDIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 49 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Ammo is Boomin', by A1C Halley Clark, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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