Weapons load crew members compete for Load Crew of 2008

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sondra Escutia
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Spectators gathered from all over Holloman Jan. 30 to watch and participate in the first-ever F-22A Raptor weapons Load Crew of the Year competition at Holloman Air Force Base.

Two crews of three Airmen from the 7th Aircraft Maintenance Unit went head-to-head to earn the rights of being named the "Load Crew of 2008."

The competition consisted of an equipment inspection, a written examination, an AFI 36-2903 dress and appearance inspection and the physical loading of the munitions.

"The load itself is the part that people actually come out to see," said Tech. Sgt. Gilbert Cruz, competition judge and load standardization crew chief. "The load they did is 45 minutes total time and the average time is 20 to 27 minutes. They got points for every minute they were under 45 minutes."

During the load, they are judged on safety, reliability, proficiency and timing with the use of a point system, he said. The judges of the event are six members of the 7 AMU weapons standardization crew who worked with and trained the Airmen throughout the year.

"Being part of the group that trains these guys, I'd say they are some of the best in the Air Force," said Sergeant Cruz. "I've seen them load, I know their character and the amount of work they put into this competition."

Although this was not the first load crew competition for Staff Sgt. Brandon Schwendenman, one of the weapons load crew chiefs, he says the most difficult part in the competition was dealing with his nerves.

"We do this kind of thing every day, so it's not hard for us," he said. "But when you have lots of people watching you, it's a little bit different. You second guess yourself and want to double check everything that you do."

The New Hampshire native competed in his first competition at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., in 2007. This competition was his first time in the role of crew chief, and he said being the leader is a lot different than just being a part of the team.

"Instead of just following directions and doing what you're told, you now have to come up with the plan and the best way to accomplish it," said Sergeant Schwendenman. "I'm proud of my guys. They've worked very hard to be able to compete and a lot of effort was involved trying to not make any mistakes."

And he hopes that effort was enough to add one more plaque to his collection.

"I have awards from the two others that I've done, for a 2-man, and a 3-man position," he said. "I think it would be pretty cool to add a 1-man next to the others."

The rewards for the winning crew vary each year including 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.

"They put in all the work throughout the year, not only with load training, but they set the example for others and distinguish themselves among their peers," said Sergeant Cruz. "It's really top honor for all weapons load crews."

The six 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 should not go unnoticed.

"Without their ability to do that during wartime, our mission would not be accomplished," said Sergeant Cruz. "Without the bomb on it, it's just a passenger aircraft."

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