Load Crew Competition loses contestants

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Elsea
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affaris
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Tyndall Air Force Base hosted its final Load Crew Competition that included all three fighter squadrons April 15.

"This event occurs five times a year," said Senior Master Sergeant Bradly Coon, 325th Maintenance Group weapons superintendent. "We have four quarterly competitions and one annual competition. This particular competition was the last competition that will have load crews from the 2nd, 43rd and 95th Aircraft Maintenance Units."

The crews met monthly or bi-monthly, leading up to the event, in order to maintain their certification.

During the competition, the crews were under a time restriction and were graded on a scale made up of 3,000 points. Points were deducted for any safety or reliability violations, undetected foreign objects and technical order or instruction errors.

"The F-22 crew was given 35 minutes and the F-15 crews were given 30 minutes to complete their respective loads," said Sergeant Coon. "The crew that completed the load with the fewest amount of point deductions was crowned as the champion. "

The 95th AMU load crew finished with a total of 2,710 points, and was crowned the champion.

"The last time we competed together was about a month ago during the Turkey Shoot Competition and we were able to win that event as well," said Staff Sgt. Justin Pollman, 95th AMU aircraft armament technician. "I think these wins are a true testament to the training we get and the commitment of the individuals on my load crew."

Sergeant Pollman was not the only Airman enthusiastic after the event.

"Competitions like Load Crew of the Quarter are important because they encourage us to be better at what we do and to be better disciplined," said Lt. Col. Paul Kanning, 325th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander. "So, that causes everybody to be better at their job. I am proud of the 95th AMU and the other crews that competed; they all did a fantastic job."