4th AMXS holds load crew competition

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class John Nieves Camacho
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The 4th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron held a load crew competition on the flight line here, April 5.

Airmen from the 4th AMXS represented their respective aircraft maintenance units in four teams and raced against the clock to quickly and efficiently load F-15E Strike Eagles with pre-designated munitions.

"This was a great opportunity for all of us to get together as one squadron and compete against each other for bragging rights along the whole ramp," said Lt. Col. Jeffery Baldwin, 4th AMXS commander.

During the competition crews made up of dedicated crew chiefs, assistant dedicated crew chiefs and maintenance specialists handled simulated pilot-reported discrepancies, and were evaluated on efficiency, safety and timeliness. Tool accountability and serviceability were also kept in check through a composite tool kit inspection.

"We're trying to capture the whole concept to really pick out the superstars in our squadron and recognize them," Baldwin said. "It's about how much pride you take in your job and yourself and setting a good example for other Airmen in the squadron."

Airmen were not only tested on their response to discrepancies and attention to detail, but were inspected on their uniforms and appearance as well.

Chief Master Sgt. Peter Stone, 4th Fighter Wing command chief, conducted an open ranks inspection to ensure the Airmen's uniforms were presentable and in accordance with Air Force Instruction 36-2903. Uniform discrepancies resulted in a points deduction for the competing teams.

"The maintenance group Airmen do outstanding things," said Stone. "They all take their jobs very seriously, that's what makes them truly outstanding. They looked fantastic out here today."

Here are the overall winners for each category:

The 4ths Finest Eagle Keepers
333rd AMU

Load Crew of the Quarter - 333rd AMU Lancer 13; Staff Sgt. Steven Brown, Senior Airman Hunter Lott and Senior Airman Kyle Vanderwagen

Dedicated Eagle Keeper Team - 336th AMU; Senior Airman Micah Sampson, Staff Sgt. Daniel Gullett and Senior Airman Duncan Key

Pride of the Fleet
336th AMU Tail Number 89-0488

DCC- Staff Sgt. Henery Titmus

ADCC - Airman 1st Class Minh-Arturo Nguy

Dedicated Eagle Keeper Specialist - Senior Airman Micah Sampson

Best dress - Staff Sgt. Steven Brown