Airman 1st Class Noah China, 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons loader, cranks a lever at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Aug. 3, 2023. China helped his team transport weapons systems and load them onto a B-52H Stratofortress during the Global Strike Challenge. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kyle Wilson)
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. — The 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron competed in the Global Strike Challenge here, Aug. 2-4.
The Global Strike Challenge is an annual competition between units in Air Force Global Strike Command, Air Combat Command, Air Force Reserve Command, and the Air National Guard consisting of several events assessing innovative thinking, teamwork, and competencies central to the AFGSC mission.
Beginning in 2010, the Global Strike Challenge has given the top security forces, bomber, missile, and helicopter maintenance and operations crews the opportunity to compete head-to-head with each other in a best of the best competition.
“The Global Strike Challenge puts us head-to-head with crews from other bases,” said Senior Airman Antonio Mutt, 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons loader. “They take the best crews and let us compete against and challenge each other.”
Airmen, assigned to the 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, compete in the Global Strike Challenge at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Aug. 3, 2023. The Global Strike Challenge tested weapons load crews’ ability to load weapons systems onto a B-52H Stratofortress as safely, quickly, and efficiently as possible.
U.S. Air Force photos I Airman 1st Class Kyle WilsonSenior Airman Antonio Mutt, 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons loader, moves an inert precision guided munition at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Aug. 3, 2023. Mutt and his team competed in the Global Strike Challenge to test performance and readiness. U.S. Air Force photos I Airman 1st Class Kyle WilsonAirman 1st Class Noah China (left) and Senior Airman Ariana Fernandez, 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons loaders, position an inert precision guided munition for loading onto a B-52H Stratofortress during the Global Strike Challenge at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Aug. 3, 2023. The Global Strike Challenge fosters esprit de corps through rigorous competition and teamwork amongst the units that participate. U.S. Air Force photos I Airman 1st Class Kyle WilsonU.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Lewis Hafner, 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons team chief, secures an inert precision guided munition onto the wing pylon of a B-52H Stratofortress at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Aug. 3, 2023. Hafner provided directions to his team throughout the weapons loading process. U.S. Air Force photos I Airman 1st Class Kyle Wilson
Evaluators from AFGSC headquarters travelled to Minot Air Force Base to administer the competitions and assess competitor performance. They evaluated teams based on how safely, efficiently, and quickly they were able to complete events within the competition.
As with any team competition, cooperation and teamwork are crucial elements of the Global Strike Challenge which helps foster esprit de corps amongst the crews participating. “Teamwork is very important in this competition,” said Mutt. “Having that camaraderie and communication with your crew plays a huge factor.”
In addition to fostering esprit de corps and collaboration, the Global Strike Challenge also contributes to overall mission readiness and inspires innovation within the units who compete.
“This competition definitely drives you and your team to be better,” said Mutt. “Every time we take part in this, we’re trying to set new records and be the best.”
Overall, the Global Strike Challenge enhances mission readiness, teamwork, camaraderie, and inspires a competitive spirit in crews across the Air Force who want to be recognized as the best in their field of expertise. The old saying, “If you want to be the best, you’ve got to beat the best” rings true for the Global Strike Challenge, as it gives Airmen the opportunity to do just that.
Airmen, assigned to the 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, inspect the intake of a B-52H Stratofortress engine during the Global Strike Challenge at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Aug. 4, 2023. Each of the B-52H Stratofortress’ eight engines can produce up to 17,000 pounds of thrust. Senior Airman Dawson Holien (left), 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Randy Davis, 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintenance apprentice, inspect the engine of a B-52H Stratofortress during the Global Strike Challenge at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Aug. 4, 2023. The Global Strike Challenge is the world’s premier bomber competition that includes units from Air Force Global Strike Command, Air Combat Command, Air Force Reserve Command, and the Air National Guard. U.S. Air Force photos I Airman 1st Class Kyle WilsonU.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Randy Davis, 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintenance apprentice, moves a ladder during the Global Strike Challenge at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Aug. 4, 2023. Davis performed a series of maintenance checks on a B-52H Stratofortress while competing in the Global Strike Challenge. Air Force photos I Airman 1st Class Kyle WilsonU.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Randy Davis, 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintenance apprentice, gives hand signals to his team during the Global Strike Challenge at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Aug. 4, 2023. Davis directed his team during the precision towing portion of the Global Strike Challenge. U.S. Air Force photos I Airman 1st Class Kyle Wilson
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