509th MXG takes on AFGSC challenge

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Montse Belleau
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  "Professionalism."

This word was heard repeatedly from the evaluators during the 509th Maintenance Group Air Force Global Strike Command challenge; a testament to the way the team handles business.

"The challenge went great," said Master Sgt. Gabriel Flagg, 509th MXG Global Strike Challenge team lead. "We assembled the best maintainers the Maintenance Group had to offer and they showed the evaluation team why Team Whiteman is the tip of the spear."

"Over and over the evaluators used this term to describe our actions, and it's obviously what sets us apart from the rest of the bomber units. We posted solid scores and without a doubt we'll be bringing home trophies," Flagg added

The only questions left are "how many?" and "which ones?" but those won't be answered until scores are published in November.

"The competition was outstanding! We expected to do well and we delivered," said Senior Airman Joshua Thompson, 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron AFGSC team member. "It's the quality and the amount of on-the-job training we received that guaranteed our success."

Staff Sgt. Brian Galster, 709th Munitions Squadron team chief, agreed with Thompson.

"We were prepared for the challenge and we exceeded our own expectations," he said. "Everyone enjoyed the competition and the 709th competitors are looking forward to next year."

Flagg said anytime an event of this magnitude is organized, they learn a lot through the process. "It's important we take the 'lessons learned,' document them, and apply them in planning this event for years to come."

(Editor's Note: This is part four of a four-part series highlighting the 509th MXG AFGSC challenge team.)