Osan, Kunsan weapons loaders face off during Weapons Fest

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Eric Petosky
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Weapons loaders from Osan and Kunsan air bases squared off against each other during a weapons load competition May 5, 2012, as part of Weapons Fest, an annual contest to see who is the best on the Korean peninsula.

Staff Sgt. Tim Ashdown, Senior Airman Kimberly Johnson, and Airman 1st Class Enrique Melgarejo of the 80th Aircraft Maintenance Unit at Kunsan Air Base took first place, outscoring the competition in both technical accuracy and speed.

The 25th Aircraft Maintenance Unit from Osan Air Base and the 75th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, currently deployed to Osan AB from Moody Air Force Base, also competed.

"These three crews are representing Kunsan, Osan and Moody," said Col. Deborah Meserve, 51st Maintenance Group commander. "No maintenance troop is more ready to support their wartime mission than weapons loaders. They sling lethal iron on A-10s and F-16s every day."

Weapons Fest is an annual morale building event for Airmen in the weapons field. The event rotates between Osan AB and Kunsan AB, and allows deployed fighter squadrons to Korea to take part as well. It's an event that is looked forward to every year, Meserve said.

"Every time I see maintainers generate combat air power, it gives me chills," said Col. Patrick McKenzie, 51st Fighter Wing commander, at the competition conclusion. "What an impressive show."