Third Wing Load Competition August 2017

  • Published
  • By Technical Sgt. Mike Campbell
  • 477th Fighter Group

The Raptor Keepers from the 477th, 90th and 525th Aircraft Maintenance Units competed in the quarterly weapons load competition here August 9.

Supporters from each squadron, along with family members, watched as the competitors set out to prove their proficiency in preparing a combat ready jet at the 525th AMU, Hager 25 under Alaska’s open sky.

The competition consisted, of three member teams each with specific duties, team chief one directed the operation, crew member two was in charge of aircraft safety and preparation, and crew member three oversaw munitions preparation.

“The overall goal is to make the aircraft combat ready quickly, safely and with a reliable load,” said Senior Master Sgt. Daniel Fried, 477 FG weapons superintendent. “Each team is graded for the fastest time with the fewest errors.”

The Raptor Weapons Teams loaded one each Aim-9m, one Aim 9X, two each chafe and two each flare mods into the side weapons bay of their assigned F-22 Raptor aircraft, hawk eyed by the quality assurance officials for skill and proficiency.

The inspection process for the competition started with a tool and uniform inspection, followed by a written test on loading operations and safety. The teams’ ability to load munitions in a safe, reliable and timely manner added to the combined inspection elements and finalized the score, determining the winner.

“This was a friendly total force competition that shined a positive light on the 477 FG load crew” said 477th Fighter Group Maintenance Deputy Commander, Col. Thomas Walter. “I enjoyed watching the 477 FG participate, it was the first time our team independently competed since my arrival in December 2016. I look forward to seeing our team in future competitions.”

The 525th AMU won the competition, scoring high in speed and safety point values. According to those involved in the competition, 477 FG and 90 AMU brought on a strong competitive challenge, making the quarterly weapons load competition an exciting and focused event.