Article Display

Weapons loading contest heats up competition

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Martin Sedja
  • 20th Maintenance Operations Squadron
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The 20th Fighter Wing Weapons Standardization hosted the second Weapons Load Crew of the Quarter competition for the year here July 9, 2010.

Weapons loading competitions have been a tradition in the Air Force since before the Korean War, when bomb loaders would test their skill and speed against one another. The loaders came up with the idea due to the small window of time allowed in between aircraft sorties, and also for bragging rights at the end of the day.
This particular competition involved a uniform inspection, a 20-question test based on the munitions the load crews are certified on and an inspection of their 250-piece tool box, including all technical orders for the installation of designated munitions on an F-16CJ aircraft.

The crews had to load two types of air-intercept missiles, two AIM-120 missiles, two AIM-9M missiles and 510 rounds of 20mm ammunition within 45 minutes, while evaluators kept both crews under close watch.

Competing for the 79th Aircraft Maintenance Unit "Tigers" was crew 79-3, Staff Sgt. Samuel Arpy, Airman 1st Class James Helmick and Airman 1st Class Allan Hayes. Their evaluators were Master Sgt. Jonathan Opfar, Tech. Sgt. Samuel McDonnell and Airman 1st Class Ryan Castle.

Competing for the 77th AMU "Gamblers" was crew 77-15, Staff Sgt. Michael Delucy, Airman 1st Class Steven Vierra and Airman 1st Class Marcus Mitchell. Their evaluators were Master Sgt. Martin Sejda, Staff Sgt. Jonnie Moreno and Staff Sgt. Matthew Linsenman.

The 55th AMU "Shooters" did not compete in this competition because they are currently deployed.

The winning load crew was 77-15, Sergeant Delucy, Airman Vierra and Airman Mitchell. They are now eligible to compete for the Load Crew of the Year and the chance to showcase the Tech. Sgt. Charles D. Lockwood Memorial trophy.