Uniform inspection

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Senior Airman Trenton Rougeau, 7th Aircraft maintenance Squadron, keeps his military bearing as 8th Air Force inspectors perform an open ranks inspection here, Feb 9. Open ranks was one of the four inspections that took place. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Domonique Simmons)

Rules

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Just before the beginning of the 8th Air Force Giant Sword II weapons loading competition, the 7th Bomb Wing load team stands at parade rest while being read the rules for the competition here, Feb 9. The 7th Bomb Wing finished the load in 22 minutes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Domonique Simmons)

Checklists

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 7th Bomb Wing load crew team performs checks and loads weapons onto a B-1 training model during a timed competition here, Feb. 9. 8th Air Force inspectors evaluated their performance and procedure and will compare the results with other bomber wings across the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Domonique Simmons)

Operating the trailer

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Staff Sgt. Teddy Miro operates a trailer used for carrying weapons to be loaded inside a B-1B Lancer's weapons bay during the Giant Sword II weapons loading competition here, Feb. 9. Sergeant Miro's tasks were part of a team effort in this timed inspection. The team representing the 7th Bomb Wing completed the load in 22 minutes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Domonique Simmons)

Checking cables

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Technical Sgt. Thomas Perry checks cables inside of the B-1 training module during the Giant Sword II weapons loading competition here, Feb. 9. Sergeant Perry was team leader during the competition and helped the load team successfully execute the load in 22 minutes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Domonique Simmons)

Preflight

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- 8th Air Force Giant Sword II inspector, Chief Master Sergeant Donald McElroy, reviews and highlights discrepancies while inspecting a power unit for the B-1 here, Feb 9. Part two of the inspection included overseeing pre-flight inspection procedures. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Domonique Simmons)

Giant Sword II weapons loading competition is a success

Published Feb. 11, 2009
By Tech. Sgt. Darcie Ibidapo
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Team Dyess showed 8th Air Force inspectors that Dyess is one of the best of all bombing units when it comes to weapons loading during the Giant Sword II weapons loading competition held here, Feb. 9.

"I think we're going to win," said Master Sgt. David Riley, who was entrusted to put together Dyess' best team for the competition. "We're the best and we proved it."

The load team showed up dressed to impress for the uniform inspection at 8 a.m. and were well prepared for the written exam that followed. After displaying their knowledge of the job during the written exam, the team's tool boxes were inspected. However, this was the calm before the storm.

At 11:30 a.m., the highlight of the competition began, the weapons load. The team was tasked to load the B-1B Lancer's weapons bay with a four-bomb preloaded weapons package within 40 minutes.

The clock was started the team scrambled off in all directions to start completing their assigned tasks.

After 22 minutes, the team chief completed his final checklists and joined his team already lined up in front of the inspectors completing.

"Our goal was to complete a perfect load, smooth and fast," said Tech. Sgt. Thomas Perry, load crew team leader. "I think we accomplished that. The load went really smooth. We had a few technical difficulties, but we had the time to work through it."

"We try to complete the load as fast as we can, as safe as we can, and as proficient as we can," said Staff Sgt. Teddy Miro, a load crew member.

The competition also included grading the wing on preflight inspections of the B-1B Lancer.

"I have never been a part of something like this, this is no joke," said Tech. Sgt. Wesley Hilbrich, one of the aircraft crew chiefs. "We're not just competing with ourselves but with five other bomber bases and will be highlighted throughout Air Combat Command."

"We have to thank all of Team Dyess," said Sergeant Riley. "We couldn't have done it without all the support from the wing."

The 7th Bomb Wing is competing against all the other bomber units for Best Wing, Best Load Crew, Best Crew Chief Team and Best Security Forces Team. The Security Forces component of the competition is scheduled for Feb. 17.

Results of the competition will be announced on March 4 at the symposium held at Barksdale Air Force Base, LA.