MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- As a security forces Airman at a previous duty location, Tech. Sgt. Matt Thompson would routinely patrol the base, keeping a close watch on the missiles and nuclear cargo that would come in and out of the installation.

While securing the activity on the flightline surrounding the nuclear mission, Sergeant Thompson longed to have a more active role in safeguarding the precious cargo.

"I was envious," he said of the Air Mobility Command C-17 Globemaster III loadmasters' role in the mission.

Sergeant Thompson decided to retrain into the loadmaster career field, eventually becoming part of McChord's 4th Airlift Squadron and playing a key role on the nation's Prime Nuclear Airlift Force. 

The desire to be part of such an honored, specialized and recognized program as the PNAF mission runs deep throughout the halls of the 4th AS. 

After completing pilot training, Maj. Kevan Barry, an aircraft commander, specifically requested assignment to the 4th AS to be a part of the PNAF mission. 

"Beyond being able to fly for a living, this was really the icing on the cake," he said. "We have a great aircraft and a great mission." 

Earlier in his career, Master Sgt. Toby McKnight had fl own on C-17s and had met PNAF loadmasters. He later caught the flying bug and decided to retrain. 

"I was honored when I heard I was going to become part of the (PNAF) mission because you know you're working with the very best," Sergeant McKnight said. 

McChord's PNAF program has a solid history of perfection. Airmen evaluated during the Nuclear Surety Inspection here Aug. 17 to 24 received an overall grade of "Satisfactory" -- the highest possible grade -- by the Air Mobility Command Inspector General team. The grade followed the wing's same top score after a scheduled Defense NSI in January. The reputation of the program is something Airmen are very familiar with. 

"We're always under the microscope and the program is always being inspected by higher headquarters," Major Barry said. "We hold each other to that high standard ... it's a good stress." 

And while the pressure to perform is always in the back of every Airman's mind, those chosen to perform the PNAF mission have a specific personality type that enables them to do their job at the highest level. 

"We're all detail-oriented people," said Master Sgt. Shawn Joy, a veteran loadmaster. "We have the perfectionist-type of personality." 

And that means embracing a culture of carefully following every checklist, every time and studying every mission from beginning to end -- looking at a wide array of scenarios that could develop during the flight, everything from a change in weather conditions to a maintenance issue with the aircraft. Through it all, the same goal remains at the forefront of every Airman's thoughts: PNAF... Perfect... Always! 

"It's about safety, security and reliability," Major Barry said. "Those three things ensure that we, as aircrew, guarantee nuclear surety and safeguard national assets." 

And while the national significance of every PNAF mission and constant scrutiny from very rigorous inspections is always a factor, Airmen say the benefits of accomplishing this mission outweigh all other factors. 

"The sense of satisfaction is so great because you realize the Air Force and the nation trusts you to do this extremely important mission," Sergeant McKnight said. "Every mission is critical."