JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Sweat dripped into their eyes and trailed down their face, a testament to the focus and determination of each competitor. As the sun rose higher in the sky, so did the teams’ ambition.
U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 305th Aerial Port Squadron competed in a 305th APS Port Dawg Rodeo at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, July 10, 2026.
Each year, Port Dawgs across the U.S. Air Force host and compete in rodeos designed to test the Airmen’s knowledge, skills and teamwork abilities. JB MDL’s rodeo was comprised of four four-person teams that each rotated through a series of events. The teams consisted of Port Dawgs and Traffic Management Office Airmen, since they often work together in day-to-day operations.
The tasks included a fitness challenge, Halvorsen 25K cargo loader reconfiguration, 10K standard forklift driving challenge, center of balance compute, net set relay and a knowledge test. Each of the events were timed and the competitors were evaluated on the accuracy and speed of completion.
“The Port Dawg rodeo created unit cohesion, team building, camaraderie and a friendly environment that simulated what we do in a contingency environment,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ronell Rosa, 305th Aerial Port Squadron cargo processing noncommissioned officer in charge and this year’s rodeo organizer. “Ultimately, it was about building team partnership. It really brought people together and showed off their skills.”
During the Halvorsen 25K cargo loader reconfiguration, teams had to rearrange the vehicle from “load mode” to “transfer mode” and back to “load mode.” For the driving challenge, competitors had to inspect, spot and operate a 10K standard forklift while transporting a bucket of water through a series of obstacles. The center of balance event tested the Airmen’s proficiency in correctly calculating the center of balance for three vehicles. Teams also completed the net set station, where they needed to attach and detach net sets to three empty pallet stacks as quickly as possible.
The rodeo’s fitness event tested each Airman’s individual strength, giving them the opportunity to compete against the other teams and themselves. The event consisted of burpees, pushups, squats, pallet carries, dunnage transfers and other physically demanding tasks.
“The hardest part [of the rodeo] was the fitness challenge,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Andrew Pierson, 305th APS ramp services supervisor. “I knew it was going to be hard, but I didn’t realize it was going to be as long and tumultuous. I’m glad we were able to get it done because it’s one of those things that [isn’t fun] in the moment, but afterwards you’re glad you did it.”
Airmen had to rely on their training and previous knowledge throughout the competition to help them execute each task. They coupled their technical knowledge with advice they’ve received throughout their time as Port Dawgs to execute each task given.
“A big piece of advice within the community of Port Dawgs and something you hear a lot of when you’re first starting out is slow is smooth and smooth is fast,” explained Pierson. “Obviously you’re going for the best time possible, but in the moment you may start to make simple mistakes you normally wouldn’t. If you start to feel yourself moving too quickly or getting overwhelmed, take a moment to step back, breathe and then reassess what you’re doing to make it more smooth and fast.”
Airmen may have applied previous knowledge to complete the rodeo, but the lessons learned throughout the competition will help them in their future day-to-day missions.
“One lesson I hope Airmen took away from the rodeo is to think creatively and to strategize how to overcome obstacles,” explained Rosa. “More often than not, we’ll find ourselves [facing] a big hurdle such as getting through so many build requirements, that it’s important to strategize how to overcome these tactical things that could set us back.”
Once each team rotated through the events, they tallied the scores and announced the winners. First through third place finishers received medals and the winning team will each get their name engraved onto a small plaque and added to the 305th Port Dawg Rodeo trophy.
From working together and strategizing how to complete the different events, to cheering one another on, the 305th APS Port Dawg Rodeo brought the squadron under one roof for a day of friendly competition and camaraderie. The 305th Air Mobility Wing continues to remain “Mission Ready Tonight,” starting with vital proficiency training and team building events like a Port Dawg rodeo.