Load Crews compete to take home the gold

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Megan P. Lyon
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Weapons Airmen from the 492nd and 494th Fighter Squadrons competed for first place during the Annual Load Crew of the Year competition, Jan.18.

The competition pitted two teams from each squadron against one another. Each team was a previous quarterly Load Crew Competition winner.

"It's huge for our load crews," said Tech. Sgt. Adam Wells, 48th Maintenance Group lead standardization crew member. "It's the one time of year when we find out who's the best load crew."

Before the main event, each team is judged on their uniform and military bearing, a written test, and a toolbox inspection before competing in a timed hands-on assessment of loading munitions onto an F-15E.

During the munitions loading portion of the contest, each three-man team is judged on precision, adherence to the technical orders and safety.

"It's testing my skill and my knowledge," said Airman 1st Class Lori Morton, 48th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew member. "I know I can do the job right, and as fast as I can, to get that jet ready to go."

Besides encouraging esprit de corps, the weapons load competition is a way for weapons Airmen to maintain proficiency.

"It gives them something to strive for," added Sergeant Wells.

The winning team will be announced during the Maintenance Professional of the Year banquet later this year.

In addition to bragging rights for the next year, the winning team also receives a trophy to be displayed in their squadron, certificates and a three-day pass.