JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- U.S. Air Force Airmen of the 305th Air Mobility Wing (AMW), headquartered at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, made a powerful showing at the 2025 Mobility Vanguard strategic evaluation held April 23-25 at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, bringing home top honors among an elite international field of competitors.
The evaluation, hosted by the U.S. Air Force 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing (AMOW), which is headquartered at Ramstein, featured 22 aircraft maintenance and aerial port teams from 14 locations throughout the Air Force, as well as, teams from Germany, the Netherlands and observers from Spain.}
Two teams from the 305th AMW— one from the 305th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMXS) and one from the 305th Aerial Port Squadron (APS) — competed in Air Force Specialty Code, or job-specific, events over several days and wrapped up the evaluation with a grueling combat fitness course.
Challenges for the aerial port teams included loading and unloading passenger bags and pallets of cargo, and a 10K forklift driving course. Tasks for the maintenance teams included a knowledge test, changing the nose tire on a C-17 Globemaster III and performing flight landing gear inspections under a variety of stressors.
The 305th AMXS team emerged as the top overall performers, securing first place in both the overall and maintenance categories. The 305th APS team finished second place in both the overall and port categories.
“This win is the result of months of hard work, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence by our Airmen,” said Master Sgt. Chance Chancellor, production superintendent and team lead for the 305th AMXS. “Every single member gave it their all, and this victory is just the beginning—we will continue to raise the bar in everything we do.”
The 305th AMXS team included maintainers Tech Sgt. Thomas Bass, Staff Sgt. Joseph Pashnick, Staff Sgt. Dustin McClanahan, Senior Airman Logan Lail, and Airman 1st Class Miles Troup.
“Winning this evaluation is a reflection of the commitment, resilience, and teamwork demonstrated by our maintenance team,” said Lt. Col. Piha, 305th AMXS commander. “These Airmen went above and beyond, pushing through challenges with determination and grit. I couldn’t be prouder of how each of them represented our squadron and the entire wing."
Representing the 305th APS, Tech Sgt. Daniel Rose led a team composed of aerial port specialists who included Senior Airman Jaxson Carroll, Airman 1st Class Colin Rucci, Airman 1st Class Cole Brantley, Airman 1st Class Jeremy Hightower, and Airman 1st Class Broderic Fletcher.
“This competition pushed us physically and mentally,” Rose said. “The chance to compete alongside international partners and represent the 305th was a tremendous honor.”
Lt. Col. Juan Pizarro, 305th APS commander, commended his team for their performance in the evaluation.
“The aerial port team demonstrated the impressive technical and physical capabilities of our Port Dawg warfighters to rapidly project combat power,” Pizarro said. “I’m incredibly proud of what the port and maintenance teams accomplished together during the evaluation and I’m excited to carry that momentum forward as our hard-working Airmen continue to mobilize the force in support of our national security objectives.”
This year’s event marks the evolution of what began in 2023 as the Mobility Rodeo, hosted by the 521st AMOW. Designed to challenge aerial port and maintenance professionals in core career field tasks, the evaluation also embraces the Air Force’s Multi-Capable Airmen concept—requiring participants to demonstrate adaptability across mission sets.
“This year’s evaluation wasn’t just about competition—it was a proving ground for the future of our force,” said 2nd Lt. Mason Luehman, Passenger Operations flight commander, 305th Aerial Port Squadron, and officer in charge of the 305th AMW participation. “It showcased how our Airmen are not only mastering their core specialties, but also how they’re embodying what it means to be mission ready, resilient, and agile in an era defined by Great Power Competition.”
“The rebranding from Mobility Rodeo to Mobility Vanguard reflects more than a name change—it represents our commitment to relentless innovation and projecting power through global reach and agile maneuver,” Luehman said. “Our success here proves that when you empower driven warriors and build cohesive teams, there is no limit to what we can achieve. One team, stronger together—and always ready to win.”
As the 305th AMW celebrates its successes, eyes are already turning toward the next challenge.
“We’re not done yet,” said Chancellor. “We’ll be back—and ready to defend our title.”
Col. Kathleen Hasson, 305th AMW commander, lauded the Airmen for their accomplishments.
“Our Airmen’s ability to rapidly maneuver and solve complex problems with synergy, resilience, and determination reflects the strength of their character and training,” said Hasson “Their willingness to go the extra mile—rooted in teamwork and a relentless pursuit of excellence—demonstrates our collective commitment to mission readiness. They made us proud.”
To read more about Mobility Vanguard, visit https://www.521amow.af.mil/News/Article/4178482/521st-air-mobility-operations-wing-hosts-inaugural-mobility-vanguard/