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Show f NEWS ' ,T ; ? S .Sept. 20, 1991 rf Hilltop Tirres Vs. jWft 1 h ' Modern Gunsllnger Sgt. Bill Fletcher loads the 20 mm gatling gun on the F-1- U S. Air Force 6 Photoi by Gory Hatch TV"" by Dave Sundstrom 388th Office of Public Affairs As the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing begins preparing for the 1991 Air Force world-widfighter gunnery meet, members of this year's maintenance team are in the process of assessing just what must be e done in order to become the competition's first team. winning The Gunsmoke competition is the Air Force's premier tactical gunnery event showcasing the best of the best from tactical units in the active duty force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, in a bombing and strafing tournament. The competition is held for many reasons: To demonstrate the capabilities of the fighter and attack weapon systems. To enhance esprit de corps. To increase unit training efficiency. To recognize the top aircrews, aircraft maintenance crews and combat servicing teams. This year's competition will run from Oct. 6 through 19 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Approximately 60 maintenance and support personnel have been selected for the 388th TFW's team. The maintenance officer in charge is Capt. Larry Gatti. The NCO in charge is SMSgt. David Blevins. According to Blevins, expectations are high. "We have the ability to do nothing less than clean the competition's clock," said Blevins. "The question is not whether we can win, but rather how well we perform under the increased pressure of the tournament." Blevins says the maintenance team will be judged on "everything we do." From seemingly insignificant things such as how the decals are placed on the exterior of the planes to crucial things such as the overall exterior and interior condition of the plane-- no stone is left unturned. "We've been told that from the time we cross the red line that separates us from the planes, we can be judged," Blevins said. Blevins takes great pride in the people he supervises. He believes the wing has a sure-fir-e blueprint of combination the have for success. They right leadership, people and equipment. e two-tim- head-to-hea- d "I hesitate to say this because I don't want any swollen heads, but working with these people has been a great experience. They are some of the most outstanding folks I have ever worked with," said Blevins. "The men are confident they are going to win and so am I," Blevins said. "Each man was handpicked because they are the best at what they do. Being part of this team is believing in yourself and in your team." Blevins' enthusiasm is contagious and is being echoed by those who have been chosen to work alongside him. "We know it, now everyone else will see that we are champions of Gunsmoke 1991," said Sgt. Ed Medina, an aircraft armament specialist with the 388th Aircraft Generation Squadron. "It's time to show them all exactly what we've got." "I expect nothing but the best. We'll win, no doubt in my mind at all," said Sgt. Rick Mallory, an egress systems technician with the 388th Component Repair Squadron. Mallory said he believed the most important thing was to get everybody to work together as a team. "After it's all said and done, it's teamwork that will determine whether or not we bring the trophy home." Blevins agrees. "The team that can leave their egos at home and work together for a common goal has the best chance of winning the tournament. That's the bottom line." k it J". , f. F-1- 6 t' si I 4r Everything is watched The 388th maintenance team stands inspection under the watchful eye of work and stan- dardization representative. Marshalling aircraft SSgt. Mike Whitney marshalls an "I i i into a parking spot. |