LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- The annual local combat airlift competition, known as the Turkey Shoot, pitted rivals against one another in timed events including heavy equipment airdrops, points of interest, visual points assault landing and backing accuracy June 8, 2018, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas.
"The 314th Airlift Wing’s Turkey Shoot competition provided an opportunity to challenge a cadre of instructors who make up an unmatched core competence and expertise in developing C-130J combat tactical airlifters,” said Col. Daniel Devoe, 314th Airlift Wing commander.
Time of arrival, drop and landing scores were calculated to determine an overall a winner. An umpire was placed on each aircraft with the crewmembers to grade their performances. Level of experience dictates the umpire selection, their judgement is used to oversee operations.
“My mindset going in was to enjoy the chance of competing in the event,” said Tech. Sgt. Dave Hoffer, 314th AW command chief executive assistant. “I take pride in what I do, and competitions like this are a way to show that. The mission was not too out of the ordinary. Practicing good crew resource management by helping out the crew however I could was my main goal.”
The Jody 32 crew took the award for the best time of arrival and time on-target. The Jody 42 crew achieved closest heavy equipment drop on target. The Jody 31 crew achieved the best landing on target. The Jody 51 crew achieved the best backing score on target.
“The five instructor crews that competed did not disappoint,” Devoe said. “Even though I get to work with them every day, I am continually impressed by the skills, abilities and professionalism of the Airmen that make up the C-130 formal training unit.”
Ultimately, Jody 31 crew took home the trophy for this year's Turkey Shoot.