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5th Air Force

Kadena hosts 18th MXG weapons load competition

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 355th Fighter Generation Squadron celebrate their victory after a weapons load competition at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 25, 2023. The 355th FGS won the title of 18th Maintenance Group Load Crew of the Quarter.

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Kadena hosts 18th MXG weapons load competition

From left, U.S. Air Force Airmen 1st Class Eric Blanco, 355th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons load crew member, Staff Sgt. Justin Duran, 355th FGS aircraft armament systems specialist, and Airman 1st Class Kent Holt, 355th FGS weapons load crew member, load weaponry onto an F-35A Lightning II during a weapons load competition at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 25, 2023. Weapons load competitions test a squadron’s ability to safely and accurately load munitions onto their respective aircraft.

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Kadena hosts 18th MXG weapons load competition

A U.S. Air Force Airman secures munitions onto an F-15E Strike Eagle during a weapons load competition at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 25, 2023. The quarterly competition tests the knowledge and proficiency of the Airmen and identifies the load crew of the quarter.

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Kadena hosts 18th MXG weapons load competition

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Brandon Dickerson, 366th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons technician, loads weaponry onto an F-15E Strike Eagle during a weapons load competition at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 25, 2023. The competition graded Airmen from the 366th FGS, 355th FGS, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the 391st FGS on a variety of competencies including safety, appearance, speed, knowledge and accuracy.

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Kadena hosts 18th MXG weapons load competition

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Wyatt Wohlers, 391st Fighter Generation Squadron weapons load crew member, prepares to load munitions onto an F-15E Strike Eagle during a weapons load competition at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 25, 2023. Competitions in the workplace help elevate mission readiness while also raising unit morale.

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Kadena hosts 18th MXG weapons load competition

U.S. Air Force Airmen gather to watch the 18th Maintenance Group quarterly weapons load competition at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 25, 2023. The competition showcased the capabilities of the 366th Fighter Generation Squadron, 355th FGS, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the 391st FGS’s weapons load crews.

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Kadena hosts 18th MXG weapons load competition

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Hezekiah Saunders, 366th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons technician, prepares to load weaponry onto an F-15E Strike Eagle during a weapons load competition at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 25, 2023. The quarterly competition tests the knowledge and proficiency of the Airmen and identifies the load crew of the quarter.

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Kadena hosts 18th MXG weapons load competition

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Nicholas Hackworth, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew member, removes straps from a munitions rack during a weapons load competition at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 25, 2023. Competitions in the workplace help elevate mission readiness while also raising unit morale.

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Kadena hosts 18th MXG weapons load competition

U.S. Air Force Col. Randy Schwinler, 18th Maintenance Group commander, speaks to the competing teams after the 18th Maintenance Group quarterly weapons load competition at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 25, 2023. The competition showcased the capabilities of the 366th Fighter Generation Squadron, 355th FGS, 18th AMXSn and the 391st FGS’s weapons load crews.

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Kadena hosts 18th MXG weapons load competition

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Hezekiah Saunders, 366th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons technician, secures straps on a munitions rack during a weapons load competition at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 25, 2023. Weapons load crew competitions test a squadron’s ability to safely and accurately load munitions onto their respective aircraft.

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Kadena hosts 18th MXG weapons load competition

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Brandon Dickerson, 366th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons technician, loads weaponry onto an F-15E Strike Eagle during a weapons load competition at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 25, 2023. The competition graded Airmen from the 366th FGS, 355th FGS, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the 391st FGS on a variety of competencies including safety, appearance, speed, knowledge and accuracy.

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Kadena hosts 18th MXG weapons load competition

Published Aug. 30, 2023
By U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Catherine Daniel
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --

Selected Airmen from multiple bases competed to load munitions onto their respective aircraft during the 18th MXG weapons load competition at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The competition showcased the capabilities of the 366th Fighter Generation Squadron, 355th FGS, 18th AMXS and the 391st FGS's weapons load crews.