28th MXG competes for coveted toad

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jarad A. Denton
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Airmen from the 28th Maintenance Group took time from their normal operations to compete in a munitions loading competition at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., July 6.

The competition, held once every quarter, tests Airmen on their job knowledge, military dress and appearance and the ability to effectively, quickly and safely load munitions into a B-1B Lancer.

"This is a great way to build camaraderie within the group," said Master Sgt. Jerry Washburn, 28th MXG weapons standardization superintendent. "When we compete, it's anyone's game - the 'King Toad' is up for grabs."

Washburn explained the travelling trophy is a statue of a giant toad, which represents the "load toads," a nickname for load crew Airmen. He said this competition will feature Airmen loading three CBU-103 bombs into a B-1. The competitors are expected to load the bombs as fast as they can, with the fewest number of errors, within 30 minutes.

"It's going to be a really fast, really tight operation," Washburn said. "I'm expecting our crews to load the bombs in about 15 minutes."

For the past three quarters, the 37th Aircraft Maintenance Unit has held the coveted King Toad trophy, as well as bragging rights throughout the 28th MXG. Their competition, Airmen from the 28th Munitions Squadron, said they weren't expecting history to repeat itself.

"Their winning streak hasn't affected us at all," said Tech. Sgt. Matthew Timm, 28th MUNS armament systems NCO in-charge and load competition team chief. "My crew is my advantage - they're the best."

Timm's words proved prophetic. The 28th MUNS took home the coveted King Toad trophy with a 12 second margin of victory.