HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. -- The 482nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron held the Homestead Weapons Load Crew of the Year Competition here July 13.
The load crew competition is a time-honored tradition that showcases the capabilities and skills of load teams. The competition highlights a crew's ability to work together as a team as well as maintain standards of excellence under pressure.
Load crews were judged in four categories: dress and personal appearance, consolidated tool kit inspection, general knowledge, and competitive munitions load.
During this competition, three teams -- the 2013 load crew of the quarter winners -- gutted it out loading 'Mako' F-16 Fighting Falcons.
The winning load crew was Staff Sgt. Danessa Gali, Senior Airman William Ford, and Senior Airman Stephen Hoffler, 495th Fighter Group, Detachment 93.
"Today's load competition showcased the dedication and professionalism required of all weapons troops in the unique task of handling of live munitions," said Tech. Sgt. Branden Paddock, lead standardization crewmember and event planner. "Their ability to consistently execute their job under pressure keeps our country safe and our enemies fearful."
USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez)