July Gunfighter Challenge

Staff Sgt. Joel Grout, 366th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, participates in a load competition as part of the Gunfighter Challenge at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, July 11, 2013. The Gunfighter Challenge consists of different events with two teams competing against each other. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Malissa Lott/Released)

July Gunfighter Challenge tests Airmen's mettle

Published July 12, 2013
By Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Maintainers from across the 366th Maintenance Group participated in the newly improved Gunfighter Challenge here July 11-12.

With the sequestration and civilian furloughs continuing to put a strain on personnel, 366th MXG leadership decided to hold the event as a way to raise morale while promoting camaraderie and teamwork within the multiple squadrons.

"We have created two teams and each team includes members from the Aircraft Maintenance, Component Maintenance and Equipment Maintenance Squadrons as well as Maintenance Operations," said Col. James McClellan, 366th MXG commander. "All of the events are centered on our group's mission statement of generating and sustaining combat ready F-15s and maintainers."

Airmen participated in events such as building munitions, launching and recovering aircraft that have taxied, conducting self-aid buddy care drills, and ended with multiple fitness challenges.

"All of the skills required to accomplish these tasks are pertinent here as well as in a deployed location," said McClellan.

While the 389th Fighter Squadron is currently deployed to Southwest Asia and despite the stand down of the 391st FS here, Gunfighter maintainers and aircrew remain focused and ready to deploy across the globe when called upon to defend the nation.

"While we are currently in a reduced ops tempo environment, we could be called upon at any time to execute our mission and defend the nation's interests," said 1st Lt. Jesse Gariepy, 366th MXG quality assurance officer-in-charge. "These personnel spent a great deal of time and effort preparing and honing their wartime skills and we've incorporated many of those skills into competition-based events. It's also a chance to build fellowship between squadrons and get the competitive juices flowing."

Throughout the two-day challenge many personnel took full advantage of the time as a way to get out and have some fun with their fellow Airmen.

"It's great seeing everyone out here having a good time because if we did nothing during this stand-down period our skills would degrade and our effectiveness would diminish. The challenge is a fantastic way to remain sharp and train like we plan to fight," said Gariepy.

Unfortunately, not all personnel were able to participate in this month's challenge.

"I didn't get a chance to be a part of the challenge this month," said Senior Airman Tyrin Rush, 366th AMXS crew chief. "I was able to come out and watch a few of the events like the races and the sandbag carries. Hopefully, next time I will have the opportunity to participate on the aircraft maintenance squadron team."