HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --
The 482nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron held their Homestead Weapons Load Crew of the Year Competition here July 13.
The Load Crew Competition is a time-honored tradition used to showcase the capabilities and loading skills between load team members. The competition highlights a crew's ability to work together as a team as well as maintain standards of excellence under pressure.
The load crews are judged in four categories with the highest combined score determining the overall winner. The four areas that are: dress and personal appearance, consolidated tool kit inspection, a general knowledge test, and the competitive munitions load itself.
The competitors are Load Crew of the Quarter winners from throughout 2013. During this particular competition, three teams gutted it out loading 'Mako' F-16 Fighting Falcons.
The members of the winning load crew were Staff Sgt. Danessa Gali, Senior Airman William Ford, and Senior Airman Stephen Hoffler, all of the 495th Fighter Group, Detachment 93. Each member was presented certificates for their achievements and recognized by leadership for their winning performance.
"Today's load competition showcased the dedication and professionalism required of all Weapons Troops in the unique task of handling of live munitions," said Tech. Sgt. Branden Paddock, Lead Standardization Crew Member, and event planner. "Their ability to consistently execute their job under pressure keeps our country safe and our enemies fearful."