Staff Sgt. Rodney Akins connects an umbilical cable to a missile launcher Dec. 17, 2010, at Misawa Air Base, Japan, during the wing load crew competition. During the competition, the Airmen are graded on a variety of areas including, speed, accuracy, appearance and safety. Sergeant Akins is a weapons load crewmember with the 35th Maintenance Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Russell McBride) Photo essay: Load crews compete at Misawa by Tech. Sgt. Russell McBride 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs 12/23/2010 - MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS)  -- Members from the 35th Fighter Wing compete in a load crew competition here Dec. 17. During the competition Airmen are graded on a variety of areas including, speed, accuracy, appearance and safety. View the slideshow.