ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Airmen from the 28th Munitions Squadron recently competed in a dummy bomb build as part of the annual Air Force Global Strike Command Challenge.
The competition highlighted the 28th MUNS capabilities in a timed trial where the Airmen build dummy bombs while improving team building and communication skills. The Airmen attempted to complete the challenge with as few demerits as possible.
“The main focus of the challenge is to showcase the world’s premier bomber and intercontinental ballistic missile force,” said Senior Master Sgt. Jason Justice, AFGSC B-1 bomber maintenance superintendent from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. “It also fosters a speedy course and competition, to recognize outstanding Global Strike personnel and their teams, and improve their capabilities.”
The challenge is exclusive to AFGSC bases and offers participants a chance to highlight their knowledge and expertise.
“It’s good practice,” said Airman 1st Class Nathaniel Porter, a conventional maintenance crew member assigned to the 28th MUNS. “If we are competing against each other, we are more prepared if a war breaks out.”
The Airmen completed the bomb building challenge in approximately 26 minutes. In that time they unloaded the parts, put the body on the conveyer belt, assembled the bombs and loaded them onto a delivery truck. The bombs are all dummies and contain no explosives but still weigh approximately 500 pounds each.
“The thing I enjoyed most was seeing each team and individual perform,” Justice said. “Seeing them click together to get the job done and show off their own talents as well.”
The final scores for the 2017 Global Strike Challenge are scheduled to be posted in November.