News Search

Maintainers face off during weapons load competition

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Erica Webster
  • 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah – Reserve and active-duty maintainers from the 419th and 388th Fighter Wings went head-to-head during an F-35 weapons load competition here Sept. 24, 2021. During the timed and graded competition, maintainers put their training to the test and proved their combat readiness. The three-person teams were responsible for preparing and loading unarmed AIM-9X missiles and GBU-12 Paveway II bombs onto F-35A Lightning II aircraft. The quarterly competition focuses on speed, accuracy, and safety, ensuring standard loading procedures and proficiency across the wings.