LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
More than 200 members of the 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing took part in some friendly competition in the third annual Warrior Challenge event May 26.
This year's Warrior Challenge was held in conjunction with the start of the annual Critical Days of Summer campaign, which runs from May 28 to Sept. 7, and Wingman Stand-down Day, directed by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz as a way to focus on safety awareness and accident prevention efforts.
Col. Daniel Johnson, 480 ISRW commander, kicked off the day's events with some opening remarks.
"Today is a day to reflect on all the great work we do every day," said Johnson. "We have had an amazing year and our measure of success has been, and will always be, the ever increasing demand for more ISR in today's fight."
Clear skies and warm temperatures provided an ideal environment for the events, which included a 5K run, pentathlon, tug of war, knowledge bowl and bench press, in addition to others.
During the contest, the wing's top three enlisted provided the participants with hamburgers, bratwurst, potato salad and baked beans.
"It's great to see the wing have a chance to step back from our high-ops tempo for a day and get out and enjoy some friendly competition," said Master Sgt. Jason Jett, flight chief, imagery operations and event coordinator. "When you look around and see the participants laughing and having a good time, it makes all the work involved setting up worthwhile."
The 30th Intelligence Squadron walked away on top, garnering the best overall score in the challenge.
"I'm pleased the 30th's Airmen won the 480 ISRW's annual Warrior Challenge for the third year in a row. This is definitely a great example of teamwork," said Lt. Col. Brendan Harris, 30 IS commander. "We prevailed again this year, but all of the wing's participants put forth a solid effort. The 27 IS' victory in the 5K was impressive and the 10 IS win in the tug of war are great examples of giving your all in all you do."
The 480 ISRW initiated Warrior Day in 2008 not only to focus on safety, but as a way to bring Airmen together and have some fun.