Rodeo 2007 — McGuire’s Aerial port warriors Published June 29, 2007 By Senior Airman Matthew Benjamin 305th Aerial Port Squadron MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- The Aerial port is home to a different type of Warrior Airmen. Airmen of the port are not shy toward bloody knuckles, soot covered faces, muscle aches and near- impossible time restrictions. With a complete knowledge of what it means to exude "Can Do" excellence, porters work in unison to take teamwork to its highest potential. To many, the feats of the aerial port go unknown, but not unheard. Working 24/7, the Aerial Port's aircraft loaders wail over the quiet inside these wires. To the rhythm of turbo diesels, Airmen are pushing tons of cargo worldwide every day. On the passenger-service side of the terminal, Airmen diligently disperse DoD manpower to satisfy all facets of global reach and global power. This year, five McGuire Aerial Porters', raised on aircraft floors slinging chains around war-bound cargo and seasoned under hot aircraft exhaust, will be attending the AMC Rodeo. Representing the 305th Aerial Port on Team McGuire, will be team chief Tech. Sgt. Joseph Layman of Uniontown, Pa., Senior Airman Timothy Hackett of Pensacola, Fla., Senior Airman Regis Dumm of Nicktown, Pa., Senior Airman Matthew Benjamin of Dayton, N.J., and Airman 1st Class Ryan Nobach of Canyon Falls, Minn. Together, the team will compete in six different events. Team members will demonstrate mastery of both the NGSL Aircraft Loader and the 10k Standard Forklift on two exigent vehicle obstacle courses. During the In-transit Visibility Event, three team members will work together to manifest two outbound cargo and passenger loads, and one inbound cargo load using the Global Air Transportation Execution System. The teams must also query a given mission number, and ensure that information from GATES was accurately converted into the Global Transportation Network. Once in GTN, the aircraft load data can be viewed and tracked by anyone under USTRANSCOM. In concurrence with the ITV Event, two team members will be "hands on" with the manifested cargo as they perform a joint inspection of the given load. Along with the deploying force, the team members must ensure the cargo has proper documentation, HAZMAT certification, and most importantly, is safe for flight. The C-17 flyers and maintainers will join together with the Aerial Port team in a total force effort, as they load cargo and personnel onto an engine- running C-17. The 12-minute time limit for the on load exemplifies the high standard of readiness that is required of an air super power. Testing their ability to work as a team, level of endurance and military bearing, the Porters will compete in their final event: the Aerial Port Challenge Course. The four-mile course will demonstrate their aptitude to be Expeditionary Airmen as they conquer obstacles such as a gas mask run, M-16 assembly and a 150-yard vehicle push. Beyond the obstacles of the grueling challenge course, or the pressures of 12-minute time restraints, the Air Mobility Command Rodeo stretches farther than the lengths of competition. It is also a chance for the Aerial Porters to gain camaraderie with other Porters from around the world. However, the camaraderie does not stop at squadron levels. The AMC Rodeo focuses on total force and gives the McGuire team members the opportunity to meld with other air mobility sustainers like maintenance and aircrew. We aim to show them all who the best porters in the world are!