Competition tests 116th ACW aircrew skills Published Aug. 13, 2010 78th ABW/PA ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- With the help of sophisticated computer programs and display screens, air battle managers and airborne operations specialists from the 116th Air Control Wing planned missions and conducted operations last week against competitors from across Air Combat Command. The competition, known as a turkey shoot, took place entirely in a simulated environment. E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System aircrew members were linked with automated flight simulators of others and given the opportunity of demonstrating various skills, including dynamic targeting and sensor support to combat ground units. "The turkey shoot is a great opportunity for combat squadrons to showcase their best crews and operators," said Capt. Megan Luka, weapons and tactics chief in the 116th. Crews were given materials less than two hours prior to the start of the mission, providing limited time to prepare. Luka, who served as one of the judges, said the competition rated contestants on the quality and effectiveness of mission execution. "Judges were mainly looking for effective crew coordination, flawless internal and external communication, graduate-level tracking, and sensor optimization," she said. The name of the competition is taken from a centuries-old tradition where live turkeys were shot at from 25-35 yards.