Moody Airmen excel during deployed competition

by Senior Airman Michael Battles
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Tech. Sgt. Javier Figueroa-Achevere, Senior Airman Brannon Ledbetter, and Airman 1st Class Kyle Whetam display their recently won weapons load competition trophy at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 3, 2012. The 75th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron won the competition, securing the coveted trophy. The 75th EFS is on a six-month deployment to Korea from Moody Air Force Base, Ga. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt Raymond Mills)

8/5/2012 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Weapons loaders from Moody Air Force Base won against Osan Air Base during the 2012 second quarter load crew competition Aug. 3, 2012.

Normally load competitions only happen between the 25th and 36th Fighter Squadrons. However, due to a six-month deployment here the 75th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron Tiger Sharks were able to compete.

Every quarter, the top three weapons loaders from each squadron are chosen to compete based on their scores during monthly training evaluations.

"Throughout the competition we are evaluated on everything," said Senior Airman Aaron Evins, 51st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron munitions loader.

Competitors are graded on written examination, uniform inspection, procedures, toolbox cleanliness and organization, as well as how well they safely and effectively load munitions onto the aircraft, Evins explained. However, safety is always priority during the competitions.

"With the extra unit from Moody here, it makes us want to win even more," Evins said. "We only have a year here to train together, so it brings great competitive spirit going against a team that has had more experience with their aircraft."

With Osan's average one-year tour, Osan Airmen don't have the same time experience with one type of aircraft, explained Evins. However, it makes them more competitive.

During the competition, the 25th FS and 75th EFS teams loaded munitions onto A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, while Airmen from the 36th FS loaded an F-16 Fighting Falcon, giving Moody a different experience to look forward to.

"Being deployed to Osan gives us a unique opportunity to work with F-16s," said Senior Airman Brannan Ledbetter, 723rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "Back at Moody, we only get to compete against other A-10 loaders, so it's nice to highlight our skills while competing against different aircraft loaders."

This is the third loading competition that the 75th EFS have competed in since being deployed to Osan. The 75th EFS is deployed from Moody Air Force Base, Ga.

Source (including 3 photos) Please note: Hi-res versions are not available.