14th AMU wins first load of the year

The 14th Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load crew team is presented with the trophy for the Weapons Load Crew of the Quarter Competition by Col. Stephen Williams, 35th Fighter Wing commander and Col. Benjamin Davis, 35th Maintenance Group commander, at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 4, 2014. The 14 AMU received the highest points after being evaluated on dress and appearance, best load, CTK inspection, and a written test. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
14th AMU wins first load of the year

The 14th Aircraft Maintenance Unit team awaits the start of the Weapons Load Crew of the Quarter Competition at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 4, 2014. The quarterly competition pins the best load crew team from the 13 AMU and 14 AMU. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
14th AMU wins first load of the year

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Mekai Stewart, 13th Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load crew member, conducts load crew preparation procedures, with oversight from U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Patrick Owens, 35th Maintenance Group weapons load inspector, at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 4, 2014. A thorough safety inspection is required before any weapons loading can be done. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
14th AMU wins first load of the year

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Darious Furlow, 14th Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load crew member, drives a MJ-1 Lift Truck utilized for moving weapons onto the F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 4, 2014. Furlow must ensure correct maneuvering procedures to effectively secure weapon placement on the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
14th AMU wins first load of the year

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Mekai Stewart, 13th Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load crew member, ensures a weapons system is correctly placed on an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 4, 2014. The weapons load crew members must be precise in their placing of the weapon, as this is crucial for the safety of all equipment. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
14th AMU wins first load of the year

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Joshua Sisneros, 14th Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load crew chief, unwinds a steel strapping tensioner, during the Weapons Load Crew Competition of the Quarter at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 4, 2014. Load crew team members must work hand-in-hand with one another to ensure safety when handling weapons. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
14th AMU wins first load of the year

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Nathaniel Monica, 13th Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load crew chief, conducts an operations check on an AGM-88 High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile as part of a weapons load crew competition at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April, 4, 2014. During the Weapons Load Crew of the Quarter Competition members are evaluated on performance at every turn. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

14th AMU wins first load of the year

Published April 7, 2014
By Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MISAWA AIR BASE, JAPAN -- The 14th Aircraft Maintenance Unit took the reins during the first Weapons Load Crew of the Quarter Competition for 2014. U.S. Air Force's Staff Sgt. Joshua Sisneros, Senior Airman Mekai Stewart, and Senior Airman Darious Furlow proved to the evaluators their capability of quickly generating safe, reliable and effective weapons support to the F-16 Fighting Falcons. The 13 and 14 AMU weapons load crew teams compete each quarter to test their skills and strive for the title of best load crew.