Global Strike Challenge comes to Ellsworth

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Corey Hook
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The 28th Bomb Wing joined six other bomb wings in the Air Force Global Strike Command's first-ever load competition.

The competition consists of a uniform inspection, general knowledge test, tool inspection, munitions build, weapons load and B-1B Lancer pre-flight inspection.

The units being evaluated, along with the 28 BW, are the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas,131st Bomb Wing - a Missouri Air National Guard unit and the 917th Wing - an Air Force Reserve unit at Barksdale.

"Our goal during the weapons load is to get zero discrepancies and a fast time." said Airman 1st Class Brian Arbogost, 28th Maintenance Squadron weapons load team member.

The evaluation team consists of career field experts from each of the active duty bases. All units have been preparing for this competition.

"We practiced off and on together on weapons loading for about three weeks", said Airman Arbogost. "Every jet loads differently which is a downside, but we will do well."

During the competition, teamwork is essential.

"Teamwork is a necessity, we can't do any of this without teamwork," said Tech. Sgt. Taft Tubbs, 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load team member. "We trust each other completely during the whole operation- we have to."

Since the end of the Cold War and the dismemberment of the Strategic Air Command, there has been no way for today's Airmen to "show off their skills." This is something the Global Strike Challenge facilitates.

"The competition allows our Airmen to receive well-deserved recognition for their everyday work," said Master Sgt. Jennifer Dunn, 28th Maintenance Group weapons standardization superintendent. "Not only is it morale boost for them, but an experience they can share with their peers and newcomers to the squadron."