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There is an entire crew that gets an F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter
jet mission-ready and in the air outside of just the pilot in the
cockpit. One of the key members are the weapons loaders who load the
munitions, install and remove alternate mission equipment, and
perform end-of-runway procedures to assist the jet in takeoff.
Senior Airman Sydney Byrd currently serves in this position with
the South Carolina Air National Guard, 169th Aircraft Maintenance
Squadron.
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November 22, 2016 - U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Sydney Byrd, 169th
Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons loader, assists in affixing a
bomb onto the wing of an F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet on the
taxiway at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina. The
South Carolina Air National Guard’s 169th Fighter Wing is the only
fighter wing in the Air National Guard that is assigned to a
stand-alone base, allowing for the capability to store, build, load,
and drop live tactical assets from home station. (U.S. Air National
Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Megan Floyd)
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“Being a weapons troop, we lift missiles and load bombs,”
she said. “Basically, we get our hands dirty.”
Typically, more physically demanding career fields are
dominated by males, due to the nature of the work. However,
with all jobs being opened to females as of January 2016, it
is becoming more common for females to serve in these labor
intensive positions. And Byrd doesn’t let any stereotypes
hold her back.
“Maybe as a female you might have to
hit the gym a little bit harder,” said Byrd. “I make sure
when it comes to work on the flight line, no one has to hold
my hand. I am a crew member, just like anyone else.”
With nearly 4 years of service with the South Carolina Air
National Guard Byrd has made an impact on her peers and
supervisors with her work ethic and positive attitude.
“Her ability to take on projects to completion and
problem solve with little input from others makes her a
valuable asset to the weapons shop,” said Senior Master Sgt.
Michael Puck, 169th Maintenance Group supervisor.
Puck added, Byrd’s competence, ambition and desire to learn
set her apart when she applied for a fulltime position with
the maintenance shop. Byrd continues to showcase her
ambition by earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business
Management from Clemson University and by pursuing her
commission as a maintenance officer. Additionally, outside
of being a weapons loader during the week, Byrd also assists
the command chief with the base awards and recognition
program during drill weekends.
Throughout her time
serving in the South Carolina Air National Guard, Byrd said
her favorite part of the job has been the camaraderie of the
shop and how her guard unit has become a second family to
her. This came naturally, as her brother also previously
served in the weapons shop, giving her an opportunity to
meet and know the personnel before joining the unit.
For others looking to serve, Byrd has some advice to
share from her experiences.
“The Guard taught me
service before self and, most importantly, improved my
self-confidence,” said Byrd. “The Guard is 100% what you
make of it…Soak up all the knowledge from your leadership
and ask questions and have pride while you wear the
uniform.”
By Capt. Jessica Donnelly, South Carolina National Guard
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2017
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