Mildenhall prepares teams for Air Mobility Rodeo 2009

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Austin M. May
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  A team of 23 Airmen from the 100th Air Refueling Wing are getting ready to ride in the Air Force's upcoming Air Mobility Rodeo 2009.

According to the event's official Web site, the Air Mobility Command readiness competition focuses on improving the Air Force's worldwide air mobility forces' professional core abilities.

More than 100 teams and 2,500 people from the Air Force and Air Force Reserve, as well as allied nations, are expected to participate.

The team is comprised of Airmen from the 100th Mission Support, Maintenance and Operations Groups, and includes maintainers, security forces and aircrew members. Two judges will also accompany the team.

The biennial international competition focuses on improving the skills of air mobility professionals, Lt. Col. Dwight Dorau, 100th ARW Rodeo team chief stated in an e-mail. The actual event will be held at McChord Air Force Base in Washington from Aug. 18 to 25, but the Mildenhall representatives have been preparing well in advance.

"The maintenance team is prepping the wing's flagship KC-135, ensuring that it is fully ready to compete," Colonel Dorau said. "This includes making sure all discrepancies are addressed and that the jet looks pristine. The Security Forces team has been doing intensive PT every day of the week, usually twice a day, as they prepare for their part of the competition.

"The ops guys have been flying a lot in the simulator and actual flights to ensure precise navigation and timing," the colonel added.

Colonel Dorau said the members for each team are the best of the best in their units, and being chosen to participate is actually a reward in itself. That said, the colonel noted that winners do receive trophies.

Some of the aircraft expected to take part include the C-17 Globemaster III, C-5 Galaxy, C-130 Hercules, KC-10 Extender and the KC-135 Stratotanker.

Additional information on Air Mobility Rodeo 2009 can be found at the event's official Web page, http://www.amc.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=14660.