Competing to be the best weapons load crew

  • Published
  • By Capt. Sheryll Klinkel
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Weapons load crews from across the peninsula represented their respective fighter wings for a chance to claim the title "Best Load Crew" during the semi-annual Weapons Load Crew Competition held here June 18.

Five teams, with three members each, represented Kunsan and Osan Air Bases, and theater support packages temporarily assigned to the peninsula from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., and Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England,, as well as the Republic of Korea Air Force's 38th Fighter Group from Kunsan AB.

Each team raced against time loading training bombs, missiles and munitions on their respective F-16 Fighting Falcons, A-10 Thunderbolt II and F-15 Strike Eagle, trying to minimize discrepancies.

"It enhances our mission capability because it brings people together, working toward one common goal," said Tech. Sgt. James Frey, 8th Maintenance Operations Squadron loading standardization crew chief and overall event project officer. "Everyone wants to win that trophy and the bragging rights."

This rare opportunity was the highlight for one Airman from RAF Lakenheath, who is temporarily assigned to Kunsan.

"It's amazing to be a part of this event!" said Airman 1st Class Randall Hansen II, 394th Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load crewmember. "[This event] makes me a better loader and it boosts our morale. It's more experience and it's something not a lot of people can say they have participated in."

Crew members perform weapons loading duties on a regular basis and are required to maintain their qualification monthly, but according to Sergeant Frey this competition motivates crewmembers to perform their jobs better, smarter, faster.

"The team has prepared over the last month for this event," said ROKAF Master Sgt. Yim Gi-tae, 38th FG weapons evaluator. "They practice and practice, every night, even when they're off-duty they continue to train for today."

The training of the teams improves job performance, but it also fosters teamwork and camaraderie.

"Our teams have worked together for five years and they can communicate with each other without talking," said Sergeant Yim. "They can look at each other and know what is needed."

In a tense battle that captured the attention of the audience, Staff Sgts. Jerry Stokes, Alfred Beas and Chandler Hunter from the 8th FW, 80th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, weapons load crewmembers, claimed the title "Best Load Crew."

"The overall event went well," Sergeant Frey said. "We are especially pleased with the amount of people who came out to support the load competition.

The next load competition is scheduled for the fall of this year at Osan AB.