U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Tanenbaum

Load crew members from Strike Aircraft Maintenance Unit loads an armament during the 57th Wing’s Load Crew of the Quarter Competition at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., April 8. Strike AMU is responsible for the aircraft maintenance of the F-15 Strike Eagle at Nellis AFB.
 

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Tanenbaum

An F-16 Fighting Falcon sits in the hangar after the 57th Wing’s Load Crew of the Quarter Competition at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., April 8. The load crew competition is a quarterly event held at Nellis AFB to highlight the exceptional airmen of the 57th Air Maintenance Squadron.
 

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathan Byrnes

An Airman participates in the 57th Wing’s Load Crew of the Quarter Competition at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., April 8. The competitions give weapons loaders throughout the 57th Maintenance Group the opportunity to display their war-fighting skills to their peers and superiors.
 

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Tanenbaum

Aircraft that will be used during the 57th Wing’s Load Crew of the Quarter Competition sit on the flightline before the competition begins at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., April 8. The load crews were chosen for their outstanding duty performance and exceptional loading ability for the first quarter.
 

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kevin Tanenbaum

Staff Sgt. David Bridges, Senior Airman Shelby Foster, And Senior Airman Ron Mercado, Load Crew assigned to Strike AMU, wait as the base Honor Guard prepares to fire a single shot, signaling the start of the 57th Wings Load Crew of the Quarter Competition at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., April 8. The evaluation process for the load crews began on April 7 with a written test, tool box inspection, and a dress and appearance inspection.
 

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Tanenbaum

Member of a load crew checks the wires attached to an armament during the 57th Wing’s Load Crew of the Quarter Competition at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., April 8. The quarterly competition highlights airmen for their loading skill and duty performance.
 

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathan Byrnes

Senior Airman Fong Thao, 57th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Raptor AMU weapons load crew member, unhooks munitions during the 57th Wing’s Load Crew of the Quarter Competition at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., April 8. In addition to recognizing superior performers, load crew competitions also help keep weapons loaders’ skills sharp and ready for real world situations.