The 1984 Strategic Air Command Combat Weapons Loading Competition was held at Ellsworth AFB, S.D., from Sept. 5 to 12. Plattsburgh AFB was one of twelve bases competing for the Barrentine Trophy, given to the overall champions. Awards also go to the best munitions loading crew, best security police unit and best bomber crew chief. There was also 16 individual event awards. Competition officials said that the program was designed to improve load crew, crew chief and security police skills, aid in developing new combat concepts, promote competitiveness among the units and enhance esprit de corps.

This was the 10th straight year that the competition was held at Ellsworth AFB and the host team won the event. Last year's winners, Griffis AFB, placed third. The 509th BW based at Pease AFB, N.H., came in second.

The 380th Security Police Squadron element took first place in the practical exercise. The SP team racked up a perfect score and posted the fastest time to edge out other teams fro the trophy in that exercise. In overall competition, the SPs placed third, only one point out of second place. Security Police teams competed in practical security exercises, confidence courses runs and written exams. In addition, a new tactical weapons firing course replaced the M-16 marksmanship trials of past competitions. The Security Police squad consisted of; SSgt. Wayne A. Hagan, SSgt. Timothy D. Gero, SSgt. George Maxim, Sgt. Albert L. Burch, A1C John C. Mura and A1C Maurice P. Doe.

Other elements of the Plattsburgh team also did well. In crew chief competition, Sgt. Bruce C. Wood, 380th Organizational Maintenance Squadron, finished seventh overall, only 26 points out of first place. The alternate was Sgt. David Phelps. The 380th Munitions Maintenance Squadron crew finished 11th overall while scoring a perfect load on their first try in that portion of the competition. Members of the 380th MMS were; SSgt. Thomas G. Sroczyck, SrA. Anthony J. Caponigro, A1C Mark C. Blevins and SrA. Duncan E. Nobinger. Load teams were judged on equipment condition, two munitions loading exercises and written exams. Crew chiefs prepared their aircraft for each phase of the competition and were judged through written tests and on-scene evaluation.

The project officer was Lt Col. Thomas A. Twomey. Team NCOIC was TSgt. Arthur D. Lassetter. SPS NCOIC was MSgt. Robert McNamara; his assistant was Sgt. Charles B. Rhue.