230111-F-NI018-1107

Senior Airman Kaaiakea Kaopuiki, 20th Aircraft Maintenance Unit load crew member, gives orders to a weapons load team member during a weapons load competition at Barksdale Air Force Base L.a., Jan. 11, 2023. Load crews compete by loading munitions onto their respective aircraft while being judged on speed, safety and accuracy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Pugh)

230111-F-NI018-1195

Staff Sgt. Alvarado’ Riviera secures an inert munition to a B-52H Stratofortress during a weapons load competition at Barksdale Air Force Base L.a., Jan. 11, 2023. Load competitions are designed to increase teamwork and provide Airmen an opportunity to display their skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Pugh)

230111-F-NI018-1092

Senior Airman Kaaiakea Kaopuiki, 20th Aircraft Maintenance Unit load crew member, secures an inert munition to a bomb-lift truck during a weapons load competition at Barksdale Air Force Base L.a., Jan. 11, 2023. These quarterly events increase combat readiness and technical expertise through teamwork and competition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Pugh)

230111-F-NI018-1052

Airmen from the 2nd Munitions Squadron assemble an inert munition during a weapons load competition at Barksdale Air Force Base L.a., Jan. 11, 2023. An integral part of load crew tradition, load competitions hone both skill and readiness while promoting camaraderie within the unit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Pugh)

230111-F-NI018-1048

Senior Airman Johnson William, 2nd Munitions Squadron crew member, assembles an inert munition during a weapons load competition at Barksdale Air Force Base L.a, Jan. 11, 2023. Load competitions focuses on speed and accuracy, with teams going head-to-head to improve their skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Pugh)

230111-F-NI018-1024

Senior Airman Timothy Clay, 2nd Munitions Squadron crew member, Staff Sgt. Daniel Stoltenburg, 2 MUNS crew chief, and Staff Sgt. Steven Vici, 2 MUNS crew member, assemble an inert munition during a weapons load competition at Barksdale Air Force Base L.a., Jan. 11 2023. At load crew competitions, two teams of munitions and weapons Airmen work together to mount weapons on a B-52H Stratofortress. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Pugh)