Weapons load crews compete for top honor

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Michael Means
  • 49th Fighter Wing
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Members of Team Holloman gathered on the flight line Jan. 19 to watch some of the 49th Fighter Wing's finest weapon's loaders participate in the 2009 F-22 Raptor weapons Load Crew of the Year competition here.

"The four crews competing this year are the winners of the quarterly competitions held throughout 2009. To be considered to load in the competition, they have already demonstrated the ability to put extra effort into mastering their jobs," said Tech. Sgt. Robert McCray, 49th Maintenance Group. "Selection for these competitions is a way their supervision can reward that effort."

The crews are evaluated during the load with points deducted for safety violations, errors that could cause the weapons to function improperly and non-adherence to the established procedures. Points can be gained for completing the load under the established time standard -- but the fastest crew is not always the winner.

"The competition is made up of a written examination, tool box inspection, dress and appearance inspection, and most importantly, an F-22A combat weapons load," said Sergeant McCray.

The reward for the winning crew varies each year from plaques, one to three day passes from work, incentive flights or Base Exchange gift cards. The reward that remains consistent every year, however, is the pride in knowing they are the best of the best at what they do.

"It feels good to be selected to compete in the load crew competition," said Staff Sgt. Mario Belber, 49th Maintenance Group, weapons load crew chief. "To be chosen as one of the top four out of 14 crews adds a lot of pressure in competing."

The twelve Airmen may have put on a good show for their audience, but the abilities they demonstrated during the competition are used on a daily basis and did not go unnoticed by a team of maintenance inspectors from Air Combat Command who visited recently.

"The Logistics Compliance Assessment Team from ACC was impressed by the quality of load crews we are producing," said Col. Donald Van Patten, 49th Maintenance Group commander. "The Airmen competing are the best of the best."

The winning crew will be announced at the 49th Maintenance Group's Maintenance Professional of the Year Banquet, slated for March.