TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- On Oct. 6, four of the best weapons load crews from the 325th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron competed for the coveted 'Load Crew of the Quarter' competition.

Each crew was tasked with loading two AIM-9s and two AIM-120s during a timed evaluation.

The competition gives the crews a chance to shine in front of their peers and supervisors, showcasing the capabilities of the training they receive. The competition is a morale booster for the 325th AMXS to rally its Airmen and highlight the best load crews.

The crews are selected by their respective aircraft maintenance units by first competing within their AMU and then competing against load crews from other AMUs. Four crews won their inner unit competitions and took on the quarterly challenge.

The teams that made it to the competition were crew 1-9 from the 1st AMU, crew 2-7 from the 2nd AMU, crew 3-8 from the 95th AMU, and crew 4M-1 from the 43rd AMU.
All four crews started their morning off at weapons standardization with a dress and appearance inspection.

"It's important for the load crews to be sharp and be an example for their peers. They need to adhere to all the standards," said Master Sgt. Ronald Pandullo, 43rd AMU weapons maintenance NCO in charge.

Next, they completed a 20-question test. Then they completed the loading portion of the competition.

The competition was close but one team emerged the winner - the 43rd AMU.
"They looked good during the competition. They did a great job and finished well under the allotted time," said Sergeant Pandullo.

This quarter's win went to the 43rd AMU team, Staff Sgt. Jonathan Leon-Guererro, weapons load crew chief, Senior Airman Angel Santiago-Ortiz and Airmen 1st Class Brenton Gates, weapons load crew members.