From the left, U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kennedy Houser, 633d Surgical Operations Squadron operating room noncommissioned officer in charge, and Senior Airman Steven Tambo, 633d SGCS surgical technician, dissemble a Bookwalter retractor at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Sept. 20, 2023. Surgical technicians within the 633d SGCS are trained monthly to sharpen skills that minimize patient risk. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mikaela Smith)

Members from the 633d Surgical Operations Squadron watch Senior Airman Dakota Tanner, 633d SGCS surgical technician, assembling a Bookwalter retractor in a timed competition at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Sept. 20, 2023. The 633d SGCS training management team, hosted the competition to test the surgical technicians’ speed and precision, while maintaining sterile conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mikaela Smith)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Mandy Giffin, 633d Surgical Operations Squadron operating room nurse, participates in a timed competition, testing her ability to assemble a Bookwalter retractor at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Sept. 20, 2023. The Bookwalter retractor allows surgeons to separate or hold back the ends of a surgical incision, mainly in the chest or the abdomen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mikaela Smith)

U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Webb, 633d Surgical Operation Squadron commander, Senior Airman Dakota Tanner, 633d SGCS surgical technician, and Senior Master Sgt. Olomide Quinoñes, 633d SGCS superintendent, pose for a photo at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Sept. 20, 2023. Tanner participated in a competition and assembled a Bookwalter retractor the fastest with a time of 1 minute and 48 seconds. The timed competition tested skills technicians need, that are vital in high-stress situations, from deployed environments to trauma centers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mikaela Smith)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Steven Tambo, 633d Surgical Operations Squadron surgical technician, inserts a screw while assembling a Bookwalter retractor during a timed competition at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Sept. 20, 2023. The competition tested the surgical technicians in assembling critical equipment and maintaining sterile conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mikaela Smith)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Gustavo Lombana, 633d Surgical Operations Squadron surgical technician, tears open a packet during a “gown and glove” competition at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Sept. 20, 2023. The Airmen were timed on who could gown and glove the fastest, honing their skills to create muscle memory and deliver reliable, infection-free care to patients. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mikaela Smith)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Gustavo Lombana, 633d Surgical Operations Squadron surgical technician, dons his gown and gloves during a timed competition at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Sept. 20, 2023. The competition tested the ability of the surgical technicians to maintain sterile conditions, while assembling critical equipment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mikaela Smith)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Gustavo Lombana, 633d Surgical Operations Squadron surgical technician, receives a customized water bottle from Master Sgt. Olomide Quinoñes, 633d SOS superintendent, after winning the “gown and glove” competition at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Sept. 20, 2023. The 633d SGCS trains monthly, honing their skills in a simulated setting to create muscle memory and deliver reliable, infection-free care to patients. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mikaela Smith)