32nd TFS saddles up for Rodeo 2007

  • Published
  • By Frank McIntyre
  • 71st Flying Training Wing public affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Although rodeos are quite common in Oklahoma, it's been awhile since anyone from Vance Air Force Base has competed in one, at least in the one that kicks off Sunday at McChord AFB, Wash.

More than 55 U.S. and international teams will participate in Air Mobility Command's Rodeo 2007 Sunday through July 28 at McChord. The competition focuses on readiness, and features airdrop, air refueling and other events showcasing security forces, aerial port, and maintenance and aeromedical evacuation personnel.

A team from Vance's 32nd Flying Training Wing will compete against other T-1 units in physical fitness, air refueling, airdrop and navigation procedures. The team, led by the Jayhawks commander, Lt. Col. Dave Morrissey as team chief, includes referee Maj.Ted Weibel, aircraft commander Capt Matt Eckles and copilot 1st Lt. Art Dulin.

"Our participation in the Rodeo is important because air mobility training starts here in the T-1," Colonel Morrissey said. "We need to be able to articulate to our young instructor pilots and students how they will operate in theater, and what they bring to the warfighting commander's table.

"We gain this understanding by staying engaged in the fight. At Rodeo we will be able to talk with mobility forces currently engaged in the War on Terrorism, see how things are going and what they, as our customers, need from a T-1 specialized undergraduate pilot training graduate. We then can take that feedback, apply it to the Air Education and Training Command training review board process and make our T-1 training more relevant."

The Vance team will be among 45 U.S. teams including three from the Marine Corps and one from the Coast Guard as well as international competitors from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Egypt, Germany, Netherlands, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. Nineteen other countries are sending observer teams.

"The diversity of this year's competition shows the importance of having such an event," said Lt. Col. Chris Duffek, Rodeo 2007 Director. "In today's climate we are working more and more with other branches of service and other countries. Competitions such a Rodeo give us a chance to focus on improving our worldwide air mobility forces' professional core abilities."

The last biennial competition took place in June 2005 at McChord. While the operations tempo remains high, Maj. Gen. Scott Gray, USAF Expeditionary Center commander and Rodeo 2007 commander, says it's important that AMC continue this key event.

"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's roots began in 1962 as a combat skills competition designed to develop and improve techniques/procedures while enhancing air mobility operations, and promoting esprit de corps. In 1979, Rodeo was expanded to include international air mobility 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 valuable joint and combined training for all participants.

An important long-term benefit is increased cooperation among international air mobility forces. 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.
(Headquarters Air Mobility Command Office of Public Affairs contributed to this article)