The pre-load operation was composed of many small tasks and I will do my best to describe the cycle (as I remember it). The 3 major sub-tasks were handling, support and loading. Handling moved the loaded bays to the aircraft and brought back empty bays to the pre-load yard. Support would prep the bombs with arming wires and shackles. Loading would actually load the bays. The teams would rotate through the sub-tasks on a daily basis.

The bays:

• would come in from the line (empty)
• were stripped of the old arming wires and shackles removed
• were tested and sent to the loading areas
• were loaded
• were sent to a holding revetment
• were taken to the line to be loaded on the aircraft
• (and the cycle repeated)

The pre-load yard. On the left there are the empty bays on trailers.

Bays have been stripped, tested and ready to be sent to the hardstands.

This was a comedy shot, we actually did some work. From left to right is Don Swindall, Ron Tinkham, and Bill Miller.

500 pounders being strung with arming wire.

The loading stands. (I believe it was New South for the people who were there)

Close up of a "B" bay being loaded.

Loaded bays ready to be delievered to the line.