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Weapons load competition

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Heather Norris
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  Spangdahlem Air Base hosted the third quarter load crew competition Oct. 10, 2008.

The 22nd, 23rd, 81st Fighter Squadrons and weapons armament section competed to take home the traveling trophy and bragging rights. The competition was open to the base populous to come out and view the best of the best loaders battle it out. "This competition provides well deserved recognition to a lot of great loaders putting in a lot of long hours in order for the base to train and complete the mission," said Master Sgt. Allen Orahood, 52nd Maintenance Group F-16 Fighting Falcon loading standardization crew chief.

The 22nd, 23rd and 81st FS each selected a three team load crew to represent their aircraft maintenance unit in the competition for loading munitions on the aircraft. All three units, plus the weapons armament section, nominated two drivers to compete for the Jammer Driver of the Quarter as well. Each unit has their own method for selecting their team members; however, certain criteria, such as monthly loading statistics, flight line evaluations and quality assurance inspections, weigh heavily on team selection. The crew with the best monthly loading stats is usually selected to represent their unit.

"Being rated on speed and efficiency is part of our monthly routine to stay qualified. Our statistics every month help the squadron decide who will compete for the [competition]. The crew you compete with is the crew you work with. Those are my Airmen competing beside me," said Staff Sgt. Joe Ly, 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons team chief.

The competition serves as a huge morale booster as the crews, empowered by the confidence of their section chiefs, bear the honor of representing their unit against other AMUs for top honors. Over the last four years, each of the AMUs has won the competition at some point, and no particular, single unit has dominated the competition. According to Sergeant Orahood, the load competition fosters camaraderie, as each crew works together as a team "consisting of people they work beside on a daily basis while preparing for mission requirements to load munitions safely and reliably when deployed" promoting unity.

"These competitions help us continue to be combat ready. It's also a good feeling to know that we are bringing pride to our unit," explains Senior Airman Dean Martinez, 23rd AMU weapons load crew member.

In addition to pride, the quarterly winners receive a certificate, 1-day pass and engraved silver plate. They are also invited back in January for the annual competition where the winners are rewarded with a certificate, 3-day pass, engraved silver plate and incentive flight. Load Crew of the Year winners are also announced at the Maintenance Professional of the Year awards banquet. Honors went to the 23rd AMU, who won the competition this quarter.

Sergeant Orahood knows that a lot of preparation goes into hosting a competition of this nature; however, it provides recognition to a career field that is constantly maintaining proficiency while meeting Spangdahlem's high operation tempo demands.











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