Load crew competition tests best crews in wing

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shanda L. De Anda
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  "Crew, Attention! Break," echoes through the hangar April 7, marking the start of the first Weapons Load Crew of the Quarter competition for 2006. The four-member team springs into action from the attention-like stance held during the pre-competition safety briefing.

Participation in this competition is earned through proven performance, and the best crews of the 34th and 37th Aircraft Maintenance Units represent their units as each vies for recognition as the best AMU in the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Ellsworth.

"The competition definitely creates a sense of pride among crews and AMUs," said Staff Sgt. Desmond Ojeda, 28th Maintenance Group weapons standardization section loading standardization crew member and competition evaluator. "The crews competing have proven their proficiency through monthly loads and quarterly evaluations, and the competition rewards crews who perform each load the best throughout the quarter."

These competitions raise the stakes by having stricter time standards than their monthly proficiency loads, and it challenges them academically with a 25-question test only given during competitions.

"The biggest challenge of this competition is the surrounding pressure of everyone watching," said Capt. David Black, 34th AMU officer in charge. "Typically (day-to-day) and in a deployed environment, the only people watching them load are AMU supervisors. At the competition, every level of leadership from commanders down is watching, but the reward of getting a simple 'attaboy' from leadership often makes a crew feel better than a plaque."

Crews compete in the same positions they work in. The four-person team position numbers, usually determined by rank and experience, determine the specific duties of each crew member. The one position is the highest ranking and directly supervises the remaining people of his crew. The two position is second in command and directly assists the number one member. Number three prepares munitions for the load and is in charge of the composite tool kit. Bomb lift or jammer driver is the number four position. However, knowing the job isn't the deciding factor to determining the winners.

"Communication is the key to safety and success during these competitions," said Lt. Col. Joseph Seufzer, 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander.

As the 34th AMU crew took the floor, the synergy between the four-person team was apparent as they all had a clear understanding of the task at hand and what was required to safely and successfully accomplish the mission.

"We've turned out much better loads than (the one done during the competition), but we still got it up and no one got hurt," said Staff Sgt. Jason Murphy, 34th AMU number one position with seven years of weapons loading experience.

The rest of his crew echoed his sentiment. They added that as a brand new crew, although they have done better loads in the past, ensuring safety under pressure made it a good load.

The 37th AMU crew took to the load-trainer floor for their turn to compete for the victory rewards: bragging rights, the quarterly trophy, a certificate signed by the wing weapons manager, a one-day pass and a chance to compete in the yearly competition.

"These competitions help ensure our weapons loaders can load within the required amount of time, which equals combat readiness," said Capt. Lori Vessels, 37th AMU officer in charge.

However, the 37th AMU crew seemed to want to prove more than they were just mission ready; after a long losing streak, they wanted to make their mark. Mission accomplished.

"In my more than 26-year career, I believe this is the first zero discrepancy competition load I have seen," said Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Brown, 28th Bomb Wing weapons manager. "We've seen plenty of zero discrepancy loads during monthly proficiency loads and the more stringent quarterly evaluations, but loading standardization is more critical during competitions."

"I felt very confident in myself and my crew," said Senior Airman Damon Sturdivant, 37th AMU's position three man with almost four years of experience.

"It was rewarding to be able to bring the trophy back to our shop, and I thank my crew and senior leadership for giving me the opportunity to represent our shop," said Airman 1st Class Christopher Helenek, 37th AMU's number three position who has more than two years experience and is the newest addition to the crew.

"From a readiness standpoint, this is what we do -- generate aircraft and put bombs on target," said Captain Black. "During deployments or operational readiness exercises, nothing beats the sight of a B-1 fully loaded with 24 2,000-pound joint direct attack munitions with all four engine augmentors lit and heading in support of operations.

"Regardless of the winner, all load crews will consistently step up to the challenge when called upon. There will always be competition between the AMUs, and winning makes the crews feel like they are the best on base, which they are."