Ellsworth Airmen compete in load competition

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ashley New
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Airmen from the 34th and 37th Bomb Squadrons raced against the clock to safely load bombs on a B-1B Lancer mock trainer on March 4.

However, the contest wasn't only about chasing bragging rights.

"The competition helps build camaraderie," said Master Sgt. James Price, 28th Maintenance Group weapons standardization superintendent. "It also helps to get the weapons loaders to think about what they are doing, and to accomplish the load in the safest and most reliable way -- but in a timely manner -- to ensure we put bombs on target."

As the crews pulled together, they learned that proper procedures aren't the only things they need to worry about. Sometimes, the pressure of completing the tasks can be daunting.

"They get very nervous, and just tend to forget the little things," said Tech. Sgt. Taft Tubbs, 37th Aircraft Maintenance Unit team chief of the loading crew. "The Airmen I had down here today have a lot of experience with this, so I don't think the nervousness got to them."

While the Airmen competing in the challenge will have to wait until later this month to discover the winner, they know it's about more than just numbers.

"Every time you load a bomb, you're building on what you already know," said Senior Airman Brandy Will, 37th AMU weapons load crew member. "You learn something new every time you load."