2nd AMU prevails over competition, becomes Load Crew of the Quarter

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Matthew Baker
  • 325th Maintenance Group
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Three weapons load crews from the 325th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron competed in the Load Crew of the Quarter competition for the fourth quarter Jan. 12. Each crew was tasked with loading two AIM-9 and two AIM-120 missiles 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 gives the AMUs an opportunity to highlight their best load crews," said Tech. Sgt. Rick Anderson, 325th Maintenance Group lead standardization crew member and an evaluator of the competition. "It's a morale booster and gives the winning squadron bragging rights."

The crews are selected by their respective aircraft maintenance units by first competing against other crews within their AMU.

The teams in the fourth quarter competition were as follows: from the 2nd AMU: Crew 2-7 -- Staff Sgt. Larry Pyne, Senior Airman Evan Johnson and Airman 1st Class Carl Bradley; from the 95th AMU: Crew 3M3 -- Staff Sgt. Jeffery Taggart, Airman 1st Class Drew Carpenter and Airman 1st Class Daniel Dubisky; and from the 43rd AMU: Crew 4-3 -- Staff Sgt. Gary Park, Airman 1st Class Katherine Moir, and Senior Airman Jose Arispe.

All three crews started their morning off with a dress and appearance inspection. Next, they completed a 20-question test. Finally, they complete the loading portion of the competition.

The competition was close, but one team emerged the winner. This quarter's win went to the 2nd AMU. This was the first time the 2nd AMU took home the title since 2003.

"We have been working together for more than a year and we work really well together," said Staff Sgt. Larry Pyne, 2nd AMU aircraft armament system technician. "The hard work really paid off."

"The 2nd AMU is very proud of them," said Tech. Sgt. Brian Norris, 2nd AMU weapons loading element chief.

There was also a Jammer Driver of the Quarter competition where a weapons load crew member is chosen by their AMU to be tested on their driving ability on the jammer.

Again, the competition was close but, Senior Airman Justin Pollmann from the 95th AMU came out on top.

The Load Crew of the Year and Jammer Driver of the Year competition will be 8 a.m. Feb. 1 in Bldg. 106. Wing personnel are invited to attend the competition.