Premier air mobility competition kicks off

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Angelique N. Smythe
  • Rodeo Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. (AFPN) --  “Ladies and gentlemen, let the fight begin -- Rodeo’s on!”

Brig. Gen. David S. “Scott” Gray kicked off the Rodeo 2005 competition with those words June 19 when Rodeo participants and observers gathered on the flightline here for the opening ceremony. He is the Rodeo commander and the commander of the Air Mobility Warfare Center at Fort Dix, N.J.

Rodeo participants stood in formation and hundreds of observers stood behind them, sat in bleachers or camped out on a hill that overlooked the gathering.

The ceremony began with the official party riding off a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft in an Army Stryker vehicle. Then, Capt. Michael Jensen, a special tactics officer from here, parachuted from 10,000 feet to deliver the U.S. flag to a horse-mounted flag bearer.

During the ceremony, Gen. John W. Handy, commander of Air Mobility Command, encouraged the competitors to compete hard, play hard, enjoy themselves, but most importantly, fly safe. He emphasized that each and every one of the troops are winners and their experiences at this Rodeo will serve them well in the future.

General Gray said it was his honor to serve as the Rodeo commander and congratulated each competitor on earning the right represent the best of the best.

“We’re here to learn, make new friends and have some competition,” General Gray said.

Rodeo -- Air Mobility Command’s international competition that focuses on improving the skills of air mobility professionals -- showcases airdrop, air refueling, aeromedical evacuation, security forces procedures, short-field landings and related ground operations. Aerial refuelers and airlifters demonstrate capabilities, improve procedures, compare notes and enhance standardization for worldwide operations.

The competition generates enthusiasm among U.S. competitors as well as allied nations, officials said.

Rodeo’s roots began in 1962 as a combat skills competition designed to develop and improve how air mobility forces operated and to promote esprit de corps. In 1979, Rodeo was expanded to include international air mobility partners.

Rodeo tests the flight and ground skills of aircrews and aeromedical evacuation Airmen as well as the related skills of ground support teams like security forces, aerial port operations and maintenance. It also provides joint and combined training for participants.

An important long-term benefit is increased cooperation between air mobility forces from several nations, officials said. Spirited competition furthers that aim while strengthening the mutual goals and bonds of friendship developed between competing teams.

Previous competitions have attracted up to 2,500 competitors. Several countries also send crews to observe, but not compete in the events. (Courtesy of AMC News Service)