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Competitors set for Rodeo 2007

  • Published
  • By Air Mobility Command
  • Public Affairs
SCOTT AFB, Ill. --  More than 55 U.S. and international teams, including a team from McGuire, will participate in Air Mobility Command's Rodeo 2007 July 22-28 at McChord Air Force Base, Wash. 

The competition focuses on readiness and features airdrop, air refueling and other events showcasing security forces, aerial port, maintenance and aero- medical evacuation personnel. 

There are 45 U.S. teams, including three from the U.S. 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 as 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, former commander of the USAF Expeditionary Center and Rodeo 2007, 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. 

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.