MHAFB Annual load crew competition Published Jan. 10, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Brittany A. Chase 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- The best three-man teams from the 428th Fighter Squadron, 389th FS and the 391st FS raced against the clock to inspect and safely load each squadrons F-15SG or F-15E Strike Eagle with the appropriate weapon load here, Jan. 6. Each team had 50 minutes to complete this year's load of training munitions onto their respective jet, consisting of one AIM-120, two GBU-12s and two MK-84 Airs. "This particular competition is important because it prepares Airmen to load weapons quickly, efficiently and safely under stressful conditions," said Tech. Sgt. Robert Gruetzbach, 366th Fighter Wing weapons safety manager. "The competition helps Airmen handle the stressful situations they may come in contact with downrange." For the 389th FS, leadership chose their squadron's three representatives based on their overall weapons standardization report. "At first it was really challenging working together for the competition due to the fact we have never worked together before," said Airman 1st Class Logo Maafala, 389th FS weapon load crew member. "But once we started the competition all the nerves were gone and we really meshed as a team." This competition has taken place each year since 1964, testing Airmen and giving them an opportunity to put their skills on display. "It was surprising how much support leadership gave us during the competition," she continued. "They kept pushing us to do our best and really drove us to finish strong." The competition brings out the camaraderie and esprit de corps of the participants, but the importance of the mission is never far from their minds. "The aircraft has to have ammunition so pilots can drop warheads on foreheads," said Aubin. "That's our job; we take it very seriously and enjoy it as well." Being chosen to be a part of the three-man team was rewarding to the Airmen. It also pushed them to work hard and stay focused so they're able to continually compete in these annual competitions. "Being new wasn't an excuse but rather drove me to be the best," said Maafala. "It's the recognition our squadron gets if we win that drives me. It really made me want to go back to my shop and work as hard as I possibly can so I can keep competing for my squadron." The winner will be announced Feb. 14 at the Maintenance Professional of the Year banquet.