Hill team wins first-ever 10AF load competition Published Feb. 26, 2015 By Senior Airman Jaimi L. Upthegrove 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. -- A team representing the 419th Fighter Wing took away top honors in the first-ever 10th Air Force F-16 weapons loading competition here Feb. 18-19. The Hill AFB, Utah, total force load team outscored competitors from the 301st Fighter Wing, Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Texas, and the host 482nd Fighter Wing in dress and personal appearance, a general knowledge test and the competitive munitions load. "We had several total force integration teams participating. It shows that regardless of what status you're in, job knowledge is what counts," said Lt. Col. Leo Kamphaus, 10th AF chief aircraft maintenance branch, NAS JRB Fort Worth. "These individuals load quickly, accurately, and safely." "All three crews represented their units proudly and professionally," Tech. Sgt. Branden Paddock, 495th Fighter Group, Detachment 93 here, lead standardization crew member. "They are the best of the best at what they do and they certainly showed it during the competition." The history of weapons loading competitions in the Air Force dates back before the Korean War. Senior Master Sgt. Derrick Chesley, 10th AF armament superintendent, said speed is definitely a factor, though loading munitions correctly is extremely important, which is why safety and reliability errors play a large role in the overall scoring. "If munitions are not loaded correctly, they may not hit the intended target," said Chesley. "When you're aiming at a specific target, the munitions must be loaded correctly to reduce collateral damage and to provide the intended result." Chesley also said these competitions where a good way for the teams to sharpen their skills and be recognized for their dedication to excellence at their craft. All three 10th AF units are fully combat-ready units capable of providing F-16C multi-purpose fighter aircraft, along with mission ready pilots and support personnel, for short-notice worldwide deployment. These competitions are one way that Airmen perfect their skills to be able to achieve their mission in a deployed location. The Load Crew of the Year was awarded to th 419th’s Tech. Sgt. Bryan Wicker, Tech. Sgt. Michael Young, and Senior Airman Jonathan Thorsted. Wicker had the highest test score and Thorsted was awarded the Sharpest Uniform Award. "These load competitions showcase the dedication and professionalism required of weapons troops Air Force-wide in the unique task of handling of live munitions," said Paddock. "Their ability to consistently execute their job under pressure keeps our country safe and our enemies fearful."