Registration open for Rodeo 2007

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SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFPN) --  Registration for Air Mobility Expeditionary Rodeo 2007 is now open through April 2. This year's competition takes place July 22-28 at McChord Air Force Base, Wash.

United States Air Force teams can register online on Department of Defense computers at the Rodeo 2007 Web site, https://private.amc.af.mil/rodeo/.

International teams must register for the competition via phone or e-mail with the Rodeo 2007 International Team Office. For more information, international teams should contact Aubrey Robertson at (253) 982-6993 or by e-mail at 62aw.rodeo.intlteams@mcchord.af.mil.

Officials expect more than 100 teams to participate in this year's event.

"Teams from the active Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard, as well as our international partners, are expected to participate," said Lt. Col. Chris Duffek, Rodeo 2007 Director. "Getting teams registered early helps us forecast the overall size of Rodeo 2007 and the support needed at McChord AFB.

"Making Rodeo a successful competition requires extensive planning at various levels and support from the host base," said Colonel Duffek. "Finding accommodations for the more than 2,500 expected participants as well as ground transportation provides the planning staff with some of the greatest challenges."

Rodeo 2007 focuses on improving our worldwide air mobility forces' professional core abilities.

The last biennial competition took place in June 2005 at McChord AFB after a three-year hiatus due to the increased operations tempo in support of the Global War on Terror. While the operations tempo remains high, Maj. Gen. Scott Gray, Air Mobility Warfare Center commander and Rodeo 2007 commander, says it's important that AMC continue this key event.

Rodeo began in 1962 as a combat skills competition designed to develop and improve techniques and procedures while enhancing air mobility operations, and promoting esprit de corps. In 1979, Rodeo was expanded to include international partners. Rodeo tests the flight and ground skills of aircrews as well as the related skills of security forces, aerial port operations, aeromedical evacuation, and maintenance team members. It also provides joint and combined training.

An important long-term benefit is increased cooperation between air mobility forces from several nations. Collectively, the ultimate goal of the competition is to develop and improve techniques and procedures that enhance air mobility operations. Spirited competition furthers that aim, while strengthening the mutual goals and bonds of friendship developed between competing teams.

"Rodeo showcases AMC's best of the best and allows us to train and learn through spirited competition," said General Gray. "Not only does this world-class competition train mobility forces for the fight, it provides a forum for Airmen and our international partners to share the best of tactics and techniques. Improvement and cooperation are essential in the continued pursuit of the Global War on Terrorism."

Rodeo competitions are designed as military training events and are not open to the general public. Residents in areas surrounding the base should expect to see a significant increase in flight operations before and during the competition.

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