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HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. – At the heart of the 1st Special Operations Wing’s global operations, munitions Airmen play a pivotal role, ensuring every weapon and piece of ordinance is combat-ready.
These Airmen support a range of units—from the AC-130J Ghostrider gunship to Special Tactics and security forces—providing the firepower that enables the wing’s mission.
On any given day, munitions Airmen assemble, load, verify readiness, and ensure safe handling and storage of munitions. Their expertise in Air Force weapons systems is critical to operational success and personnel safety.
“We always need to be ready and capable to respond,” said the 1 SOW munitions superintendent. “We are capable of operating worldwide and we need to be ready for anything, anywhere.”
One key responsibility for munitions systems specialists is loading and unloading munitions on military aircraft. Everything must be transported to the flightline and delivered to the weapon load crew. This task requires a detailed understanding of both the aircraft and the weapons systems.
“We have to ensure mission success happens when the munitions get towed out and uploaded to the aircraft,” the superintendent said. “Whether it's a training mission, real world or downrange – we have to ensure our job gets done.”
Regardless of the mission, safety is paramount to protecting personnel, equipment and operational effectiveness.
According to a 1 SOW munitions specialist, handling munitions is one of the most safety-crucial jobs in the Air Force. Strict adherence to precautions is essential to prevent accidents. Improper loading could have serious consequences, making the role of the munitions specialist critical for all personnel involved.
Airmen must check incoming munitions for defects or damage, ensure proper documentation and accountability, maintain records of munitions inventory, test and maintain electronic components and deliver ready-to-use munitions to flightlines and combat units.
The specialists’ technical expertise and attention to detail play a key role in maintaining air superiority and ensure the Air Force is prepared for operations of varying complexity and scale.
“Without munitions, pilots or their aircrew don’t get the ammunition they need. If they don’t have ammo, they can’t complete their mission,” the munitions Airmen said.
| Date Taken: | 02.10.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 02.12.2025 13:21 |
| Story ID: | 490440 |
| Location: | HURLBURT FIELD, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 38 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Locked, loaded, ready: Munitions Airmen power wing's readiness, by A1C Joey Weis-Petticord, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
