Luke AFB hosts West Valley leaders

The 56th Fighter Wing Load Crew of the Quarter trophy sits on a table during the first quarter weapons load competition, April 17, 2026, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The winner of the competition will be announced May 1 at the 56th FW’s first quarterly awards ceremony. Exercises like the weapons load competition advance training by producing mission-focused Airmen able to meet warfighting requirements. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Katelynn Jackson)

Luke AFB hosts West Valley leaders

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Carlos Estrada, 308th Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load crew member, secures a bomb rack panel by screwing in fasteners during the 56th Fighter Wing’s first quarter weapons load competition, April 17, 2026, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Six squadrons competed, including an allied partner squadron, highlighting Luke AFB’s role in training allied forces and strengthening global partnerships. The competition reinforces rapid, precise weapons loading capabilities essential to delivering combat airpower anytime, anywhere. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Katelynn Jackson)

Weapons load competition sharpens readiness at Luke

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Russell Crew, 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load crew chief, examines training ordnance during the 56th Fighter Wing’s first quarter weapons load competition, April 17, 2026, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The winner of the competition will be announced May 1 at the 56th FW’s first quarterly awards ceremony. Exercises like the weapons load competition advance training by producing command-focused Airmen able to meet warfighting requirements. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Katelynn Jackson)

Weapons load competition sharpens readiness at Luke

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Austin Murray, 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load team member, examines training ordnance during the 56th Fighter Wing’s first quarter weapons load competition, April 17, 2026, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Six squadrons competed, including an allied partner squadron, highlighting Luke AFB’s role in training allied forces and strengthening global partnerships. Events like this build proficiency, teamwork, and discipline required to generate combat-ready airpower in high-tempo environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Katelynn Jackson)

Weapons load competition sharpens readiness at Luke

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Devon Copeland and Senior Airman Jonathan Plancarte-Sedano, Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load crew members, secure a training missile and navigate a jammer during the 56th Fighter Wing’s first quarter weapons load competition, April 17, 2026, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The winner of the competition will be announced May 1 at the 56th FW’s first quarterly awards ceremony. Exercises like the weapons load competition advance training by producing command-focused Airmen able to meet warfighting requirements. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Katelynn Jackson)

Weapons load competition sharpens readiness at Luke

A U.S. Air Force Airman changes out tools during the 56th Fighter Wing’s first quarter weapons load competition, April 17, 2026, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Six squadrons competed, including an allied partner squadron, highlighting Luke AFB’s role in training allied forces and strengthening global partnerships. The competition reinforces rapid, precise weapons loading capabilities essential to delivering combat airpower anytime, anywhere. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Katelynn Jackson)

Weapons load competition sharpens readiness at Luke

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Keeland Smith, 56th Armament Section chief, talks to his son as they watch the first quarter weapons load competition, April 17, 2026, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The load competition featured the loading of an AIM-120 air-to-air missile and a GBU-12 with a time standard of 22 minutes. The competition reinforces rapid, precise weapons loading capabilities essential to delivering combat airpower anytime, anywhere. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Katelynn Jackson)

Weapons load competition sharpens readiness at Luke

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Eduardo Bell, 61st Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load crew member, secures training ordnance during the 56th Fighter Wing’s first quarter weapons load competition, April 17, 2026, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The load competition featured the loading of an AIM-120 air-to-air missile and a GBU-12 with a time standard of 22 minutes. The competition reinforces rapid, precise weapons loading capabilities essential to delivering combat airpower anytime, anywhere. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Katelynn Jackson)

Weapons load competition sharpens readiness at Luke

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II pilot waves as he passes the 56th Fighter Wing’s first quarter weapons load competition, April 17, 2026, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Six squadrons competed, including an allied partner squadron, highlighting Luke Air Force Base’s role in training allied forces and strengthening global partnerships. Exercises like the weapons load competition advance training by producing command-focused Airmen able to meet warfighting requirements. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Katelynn Jackson)

Weapons load competition sharpens readiness at Luke

Published April 27, 2026
By Senior Airman Katelynn Jackson
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- The 56th Fighter Wing Load Crew of the Quarter trophy sits on a table during the first quarter weapons load competition, April 17, 2026, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The winner of the competition will be announced May 1 at the 56th FW’s first quarterly awards ceremony. Exercises like the weapons load competition advance training by producing mission-focused Airmen able to meet warfighting requirements. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Katelynn Jackson)