37th AMU weapons load crew clinches third quarter title

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anania Tekurio
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Airmen from the 34th and 37th Aircraft Maintenance Units went head to head during a heated competition Oct. 18,that pitted some of Ellsworth's quickest B-1 load crews against each other.

During the third quarter load crew competition, Airmen were evaluated on their ability to safely, quickly and accurately load bombs onto a B-1.

"It was very nerve wracking," said Staff Sgt. Clayton Moore, 37th AMU weapons load crew team chief. "Having all eyes on you and trying to concentrate while the clock is running can get the tension going a bit, but it definitely made me focus even more on the task at hand."

Moore explained that the competition wasn't only about determining which crew could do their job quickest, but also about bringing Airmen together and developing team spirit.

"This competition is sharpening the tip of the spear," said Tech. Sgt. David Burgos, 28th Maintenance Group lead standardization crew member, of the competition that allows team to showcase their load crew combat capabilities.

At the end of the competition, base leadership announced that the crews of the 37th AMU had garnered the award for being the best load crew of the quarter.

"The event was a huge success," said Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Burke, 28th Maintenance Group wing weapons manager. "Our Airmen were able to come together, demonstrate their skills and celebrate the hard work they do, day in and day out."

He added that the 37th AMU should be prepared for an even closer competition next quarter as the crews from the 34th AMU are already preparing and are hungry for the title.