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Annual Load Crew Competition

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class BrieAnna Stillman
  • 20th Fighter Wing
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  “In three, two, one!” The Tigers and Shooters rush to their loading stations to quickly, but accurately, load an F-16CM Fighting Falcon with Air Integrated Missile-9 and AIM-120s during the annual load crew competition at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C.

The Tigers 79th Aircraft Maintenance Unit and the Shooters 55th AMU competed to earn year-long bragging rights and a trophy for their squadron at the annual load crew competition.

“We load munitions every month to keep our readiness up and stay trained and proficient on these weapons,” said Senior Airman Dillon Litteral, 55th FS load crew member.

The quarterly load crew competitions, are held between the squadrons load crews with the highest score determine who will be competing in the annual competition.

The load crew competitions consist of not only loading munitions onto the F-16s, but also a uniform inspection, written test and a tool box inspection. All four of these things are taken into account when scoring the competition.

Of course it is not just bragging rights and a trophy that Airmen enjoy, said Airman 1st Class Robert Neu, 79th AMU load crew member. Being able to get everyone together to watch the competition is exhilarating.

Both Neu and Litteral agreed that the adrenaline rush they get when the competition starts is fantastic. They get to dive in and let their training take over, which really makes it an overall great experience.

Tune in around the middle of April to find out who will take home the trophy and gain bragging rights for the year!