SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Throughout May, 2018, the 52nd Maintenance Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, trained regularly for the upcoming Air Force Combat Operations Competition to be held at Beale Air Force Base, Cali., June 11 - 14, 2018.
This is the first Air Force-wide munitions competition, known as AFCOCOMP, which will host one team from every Major Command across the air force.
“We will be tested on how quickly and efficiently we can perform a variety of skills, whether it’s building a small or large bomb, setting up our equipment, or tear down of munitions,” said Master Sgt. Kristin Green, team leader. “Our guys are sharp; they’re well trained and ready for anything.”
AFCOCOMP is designed to test seven maintenance career field’s best teams in a high-intensity competition, in an effort to improve training and combat readiness. Teams will compete for several days in multiple munitions disciplines to determine who is the best and most combat ready team.
The winning team will be awarded a trophy and invited back to defend their title the following year.
“Every day, we get better,” said Airman 1st Class Mark Hall II, team member. “We all bring our own strengths and knowledge to this team. The rest of the competition will have to do their best to beat us.”
The competition used to be unique only to Global Strike Command, but has recently been expanded to what is planned to be an annual branch-wide event. Spangdahlem AB will represent U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa as the only European theater based team. The rest will come from around the continental U.S. and one other from Guam.
The 52nd FW’s team consists of 10 Airmen, with a range of ranks, experiences, skill levels and specialties.
Spangdahlem Airmen had not only compete against each other for a spot on the team, but they had to beat out other bases from their own MAJCOM as well.
“This competition is a big deal for us,” said Staff Sgt. Steven Ard, team member. “We’re trying to set a precedent for future teams. We may be confident, but we’re also very excited to be a part of this and are proud to represent not just the 52nd Fighter Wing, but USAFE as well.”