Competition at Shaw Air Force Base builds united force
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Davis Quor-Darius, 55th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons load crew member, prepares an aircraft for muniton loading during the competition. The teams were challenged to communicate and problem solve under a time limit, demonstrating their ability to complete their mission under pressure.
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Steven Cardo
A trophy is presented to participating teams during an inaugural state load crew competition at Shaw Air Force Base on April 3, 2024. Weapons load crews from the U.S. Air Force 55th Fighter Generation Squadron and 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron were tested on their textbook knowledge and physical proficiency in weapons loading, encouraging friendly competition and strengthening relationships within the total force.
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Steven Cardo
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Avary Kemp, 55th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons team chief, assists in a munitions lift during the inaugural state load crew competition at Shaw Air Force Base. Load crew competitions are a far-reaching weapons tradition that promote squadron pride and strengthen the relationship between the units, building a stronger, more united total force.
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Steven Cardo
The U.S. Air Force 55th Fighter Generation Squadron load crew congratulates the 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron load crew assigned to McEntire Joint National Guard Base for their win during an inaugural state load crew competition.
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Steven Cardo
A 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMXS) load crew assigned to McEntire Joint National Guard Base works to load a munition during an inaugural state load crew competition at Shaw Air Force Base on April 3, 2024. Load teams competed to load munitions onto an F-16 Fighting Falcon as quickly and efficiently as possible, demonstrating their ability to prepare aircraft for combat fast and under pressure.
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Steven Cardo
From left, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Carly Sturkie, Tech. Sgt. Roger Espinoza and Staff Sgt. Christina Smith, 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMXS) weapons load crew members assigned to McEntire Joint National Guard Base present their trophy during an inaugural state load crew competition at Shaw Air Force Base on April 3, 2024. The 169th AMXS were challenged to load munitions onto an aircraft as quickly as possible against the 55th Fighter
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Steven Cardo
A 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron load crew assigned to McEntire Joint National Guard Base works to load a munition during an inaugural state load crew competition at Shaw Air Force Base on April 3, 2024. This load competition marked the first regional event for U.S. Air Force load teams in South Carolina, encouraging friendly competition and relationship building between local installations.
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Steven Cardo
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Roger Espinoza, 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron load crew team chief assigned to McEntire Joint National Guard Base, guides the loading of a munition during an inaugural state load crew competition at Shaw Air Force Base on Wednesday, April 3. The load crew team chief plans, prepares and helps his team execute each load, exercising leadership capabilities under pressure to lead wingmen to mission success.
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Steven Cardo
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Pete Mitchell, left, and Staff Sgt. Davis Quor-Darius, 55th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons load crew members, fasten a munition onto an aircraft during the inaugural state load crew competition at Shaw Air Force Base. The load competition tested teams of weapons airmen on their proficiency in munitions loading and ability to work as a team under pressure.
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Steven Cardo
Posted
Load crew competitions are a far-reaching weapons tradition that promote squadron pride and strengthen the relationship between units, building a stronger, more united total force. Teams were challenged to communicate and problem solve under a time limit, demonstrating their ability to complete their mission under pressure, during an inaugural state load crew competition at Shaw Air Force Base on Wednesday, April 3.