Airmen compete with bombs

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Melissa Harvey
  • 301st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
NAVAL AIR STATION FORT WORTH JOINT RESERVE BASE, Texas --  The F-16 Fighting Falcon has proved itself in combat, but without weapons, it loses the capability to do what it's made for -- to drop bombs on targets.

This is why it's important to have people who specialize in weapons loading.

Airmen from the 301st Aircraft Maintenance and 355th Fighter Squadrons participated in a weapons load competition Feb. 7 here.

A weapons load competition typically includes three parts -- a written exam, a uniform inspection, and a loading task.

Senior Master Sgt. David W. Godi, 301 AMXS weapons standardization superintendent, administers the written exam, inspects their uniforms, and helps to ensure the competition runs smoothly.

"The main goal of the competition is ... to bring about a little rivalry between our Airmen," he said. "The competition stimulates Airmen to train just a little harder, because they want to better themselves and have a little bragging right with their fellow Airmen."

Those competing were separated into four teams composed of three Airmen each. They were judged by the loading standardization and lead crews, who also train Airmen throughout the year on loading various munitions.

To earn this year's bragging rights, teams needed to complete the task in 33 minutes. The task included loading a missile and one bomb onto their respective jets, according to Godi.

Staff Sgt. Cassie Fowler, a 301 AMXS weapons load crew member who prepares jet and alternate mission equipment, competed for her second time.

"The crews chosen for the load competition are the ones the section supervisors feel have stood out for the previous year," she said. "Load competitions are fun because you can kind of see where you stand with the other crews in the shop, as well as challenge yourself against the best of the best. Also, the pressure that is placed upon you for the competition prepares you for the pressures of being deployed and having to work fast and efficient to get the job done. I am grateful for this opportunity and to be chosen."

No team is complete without a load crew chief. Tech. Sgt. Kaisha Gurtner, a 301 AMXS load crew chief, competed for her third time.

"My job is to supervise aircraft and munition preparation and direct the overall loading of the munitions in accordance with technical data and ensure the jet is weapons ready," she said.

Airmen from the 301 AMXS weapons section are just a few of many who ensure F-16 missions are successful by skillfully loading munitions.

"The Airmen are proud of what they do," Godi said. "This competition allows them to show what they can do to others in the Air Force who may not know what a weapons loader's job entails."

Winners will be announced during the March unit training assembly.