News

Air Mobility Rodeo offers some spectator-friendly events

  • Published
  • By Sandra Pishner
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. --  Before all else, Airmen must be fit to fight. So it stands to reason the first ground competition of Air Mobility Rodeo is the Fit-to-Fight competition, an event the 446th Airlift Wing team won in 2009.

Air Mobility Rodeo is the U.S. Air Force's and Air Mobility Command's premier international combat skills and flying operations competition designed to develop and improve techniques, procedures, and interoperability, while optimizing international mobility partnerships and enhancing mobility operations.

The opening ceremony for Rodeo is July 24 a 9 a.m. in at the base of the control tower. Immediately following the ceremony welcoming all 150 teams and 3,000 competitors, is the Fit-to-Fight event next to Rainier Ranch on Heritage Hill.

The 446th Airlift Wing's first event, however, is in the air July 23 with the timed arrival competition. The 446th AW team is scheduled to arrive precisely at 11:05 a.m., on the primary runway. And precisely, in Rodeo competition terms, means not a second before or a second after. Each second off the scheduled arrival time results in a two-point deduction.

The events of Rodeo 2011 provide a forum for Airmen and our international partners to share the best tactics and techniques essential in the continued pursuit of coalition operations around the world. The below events are spectator friendly, and will give observers a first-hand look at global air mobility operations. Times for 446th AW team competitions will be announced as they become available.

AIRCREW
Airdrop
Airdrop aircrews are graded on how precisely they navigate at low-level altitudes, and on the accuracy and timeliness of their airdrops. In 2011, spectators will have the opportunity to witness heavy equipment airdrops from the drop zone. A shuttle will leave from the parking lot of Bldg. 100 every hour from noon to 5 p.m. each day. Private automobiles will not be allowed out to the drop zone.

Engine Running Onload/Offload
A five-person aerial port team (includes driver) works with the aircraft's loadmasters to safely onload/offload an aircraft with the engines running. This competition is one of the most popular events, so get there early for a good seat! This event will take place near Hangar 13, on the north end of Charlie Ramp.

SECURITY FORCES
Combat Endurance
As the name implies, this event highlights four-person fire teams that are fit-to-fight and combat-ready. Each team is required to negotiate 23 obstacles and complete a 1.2 mile run while employing a variety of combat skills. This event takes place July 27 at the McChord Field Obstacle Course, located south of the Main Gate. A parking area is available at the start of the course.

Combat Tactics
The foundation of security forces tactics is built on the effectiveness of small teams. In this event, a four-person fire team is tested in combat-critical areas that demonstrate the team's ability to shoot, move and communicate. This competition is located in the South 40, at the southern end of McChord Field.

Combat Weapons
A fast-paced marksmanship competition that challenges a four-person fire team on M9 pistol and M4 rifle courses of fire, self-aid/buddy care, and basic combat skills - all in a physically demanding environment meant to simulate the stress of combat. This event will take place at the firing ranges on Lewis Main. Observers may drive to the event. Directions are available at the Information Booth in Hangar 3.

AERIAL PORT
Engine Running Onload/Offload
A five-person team (includes driver) will safely onload/offload an aircraft with the engines running. This competition is one of the most popular events, so get there early for a good seat! This event will take place near Hangar 13, on the north end of Charlie Ramp.

25K Halvorsen Driving
Operators will demonstrate their proficiency in maneuvering a 25K around several obstacles, and then precisely align and unload pallets in a highline dock area. This event takes place on the flightline side of Bldg 1422.

10K Forklift Driving
A two-person team will demonstrate proficiency in maneuvering a 10K forklift through a driving course, while balancing objects on the lift. This event takes place on the flightline side of Bldg 1422.

AEROMEDICAL EVACUTATION
C-17 Configuration
A five-person crew will compete in a timed event to configure a C-17 as an air ambulance for an AE flight. AE flights are used to transport critical patients from the field to a higher level of care. This event takes place on the flightline, outside of Hangar 1.

MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Skills Competition
A four-person team will maneuver throughout the hangar to complete eight tasks in a timed event designed to challenge the team on their maintenance skills, troubleshooting ability, technical order comprehension and teamwork. The competition will take place Monday through Thursday in Hangar 7.

Other competition events are not open to spectators. One event that is not part of the competition is an Advanced Designated Marksman Demonstration. Rodeo 2011 will feature an Advanced Designated Marksman demonstration, which will show security forces capability to engage targets with precision at greater distances. Two demonstrations will occur Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at Lewis Main at 10 a.m., and 2 p.m. A bus will provide transportation for spectators. Sign-up to attend in Hangar 3 at the Information Booth. The bus will depart the security forces armory, Bldg. P-21, at 9:15 a.m., and 1:15 p.m.

Entertainment and food will be available at Rainier Ranch, not only at the 446th AW team tent, but other tents and at the Chuckwagon. All McChord people and their families are welcome at Rainier Ranch in the evenings to enjoy the food and camaraderie. After the first set from the band each evening, the ranch will become a closed event for Rodeo participants, staff, and sponsored guests only. Sponsored guests must remain with their Rodeo badge-wearing sponsor at all times after 8 p.m. No one under 21 will be allowed on the ranch after 8 p.m., unless they are clearly wearing a Rodeo badge.

July 25: '80s night with The Spazmatics at 7 p.m.
Chuckwagon: BBQ Beef Brisket, 4-6 p.m.
July 26: Rock Star Karaoke at 7 p.m.
Chuckwagon: Chicken Soft Tacos, Chuckwagon Stew, 4-6 p.m.
July 27: Doin' It All For The Ladies with Mr. Pink at 7 p.m.
Chuckwagon: BBQ Chicken, Boneless Beef Ribs, 4-6 p.m.
July 28: '70s night with The Afrodisiacs at 7 p.m.
Chuckwagon: Roast Beef, Chili, 4-6 p.m.
July 29: Awards ceremony, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Chuckwagon: Burgers, Hotdogs & the fixin's, 10:30 a.m., to 12:30 p.m.