News

Rodeo Aerial Port team guides twists and turns of a 60K tunner

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Patrick Cabellon
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Tight corners and bright orange cones litter the aerial port 60K competition grounds at Air Mobility Command's Rodeo, McChord Air Force Base, Wash July 19-24. Aerial port teams competed using their navigational skills, hand signals and good old fashion teamwork to get the job done. 

The course didn't break the spirit of the 446th Rodeo Aerial Port team, which scored an astounding 470 points out of 500 possible points July 20. Their score put the team in the running for first place in the event. Seven other teams had competed throughout the day, with other teams to take on the course this week. 

The course may seem difficult to the untrained eye, but not to Tech. Sgt. Ron Rendorio, 446th Rodeo Aerial Port team driver. 

"It was easy going," said Sergeant Rendorio. "I owe it all to my spotters; all I needed to do was trust them and follow their directions. They were my eyes." 

Tech. Sgt. Josh Warbiany a spotter on the 446th Rodeo AP team, pointed out one stressful moment during the event. 

"We were told there were arrows on the ground marking directions we were supposed to navigate. However, when I got out there I got a bit confused and somewhat lost," he admitted. 

He reoriented himself quickly though, only to discover he was not off course at all, he said. 

Sergeant Warbiany is a 60K tunner instructor and, just like the rest of his team, is very knowledgeable on how to maneuver a Tunner and assist with guiding it along. 

"Spotters must pay attention to the orientation of the vehicle at all times in order to properly relay the next move the driver needs to make to clear an obstacle,"  said Sergeant Warbiany. "It's all about teamwork."