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Deployed Shaw Airmen compete for 2012 Weapons Load Crew of the Year award

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Scott Saldukas
  • 451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --  The 77th Aircraft Maintenance Unit "Gamblers," a three-man weapons load crew from the 451st Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, participated in a weapons load competition at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Feb. 11. Their results will go up against other load crews of their home station to see who will be named the 2012 Weapons Load Crew of the Year for the 20th Maintenance Group.

Weapons load competitions have been an Air Force tradition since before the Korean War. Speed, teamwork and compliance are required to generate aircraft in the minimal time allowed between sorties. These competitions allow load crews to showcase their skills and promote esprit de corps within the weapons community.

This particular competition is slightly more unique than the others though, due to the fact that the crew is competing while deployed, and their scores will compete against their counterparts at their home station at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C.

"I have been doing this for a long time and I have never seen a weapons load crew have the chance to compete while they are in the AOR," said Tech. Sgt. Daniel Grigg, 451st EAMXS lead weapons crew chief.

This particular competition involved a 36-2903 uniform inspection; a 20-question test based on the aircraft and munitions the crew is certified on and a toolbox inspection that includes munitions loading technical orders required on an F-16 Fighting Falcon.

The crews had to load two AIM-9M missiles and two GBU-38 bombs with a 45 minute time standard, while evaluators kept the crew under close watch.

"I am very proud of the crew, they did exceptionally well in the reduced allotted time," said Chief Master Sgt. Guillermo Castillo Jr., 451st Expeditionary Maintenance Group Wing weapons manager. "Events like these are an incredible way to recognize these Airmen for the great work they have demonstrated throughout the year."

While the competition outcome will determine the best weapons load crew at Shaw, one Airman noted how the event brings all the Airmen in the unit closer together.

"I am proud to be one of the people competing and having the opportunity be deployed and still been able to participate," said Senior Airman Kameran Fernandez, 451st EAMXS weapons load crew member. "It gets everyone together and helps build morale in the squadron. Plus, it's fun."

The deployed maintainers from Shaw who made up the weapons load crew are Staff Sgt. William Bernhardt, from Valdosta, Ga., Senior Airman Matthew Furey, from Mente Vista, Calif., and Fernandez, from Maui, Hawaii. 

Results of the competition will be announced at Shaw's Maintenance Professional of the Year banquet April 26.