News

Aircrew aims to retain C-17 trophy

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Desiree Kiliz
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
McCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  High standards were set at Rodeo 2005 when the 446th Airlift Wing aircrew won Best C-17 Airdrop Team, Best C-17 Air Refueling Team and Best C-17 Aircrew. Training to meet, or even exceed, those standards is the priority of the 446th Airlift Wing's 2007 Rodeo aircrew team. 

Preparation for the aircrew consists of mission planning and getting familiar with the competition rules so decisions can be made on the spot during the competition, said Maj. Mark Boyd, Rodeo co-pilot from the 728th Airlift Squadron. 

Training with the aerial port team for engine running onloading and offloading the aircraft, and flying weekly local missions gives essential practice for the different events in the competition, according to Tech. Sgt. Eric Olson, Rodeo loadmaster from the 313th Airlift Squadron. 

Events the aircrew will compete in include airdrop (bundles, heavy equipment and personnel), navigation, shortfield landings, aerial refueling, backing/combat off load, engine running on and off load and Joint Airborne Inspection. 

Maj. Garin Tentschert, 97th Airlift Squadron and Rodeo aircraft commander said, "Flying the C-17 at McChord is unique in that we compete in all seven aircrew events. Most other teams will compete in only (a few, such as) air refueling and navigation. We also do air drop, low level, assault landing and combat offloads." 

Although the Reserve aircrew serves its weekends at McChord, they are practicing during the week, which presents challenges they must battle. "Trying to coordinate our training with the (active-duty's) training is a juggling act because there are only so many planes available and that is a big challenge to us," said Maj. Charles Corrigan, 313th AS pilot and Rodeo co-pilot. 

Bringing home all the Best C-17 awards for the Air Force Reserve at McChord is motivation to the aircrew for Rodeo 2007. "We're going to do no less than last time," said Major Tentschert. 

Also preparing for Rodeo are team alternates, Maj. Thomas Jensen, 97th AS, and Tech. Sgt. Thomas Emmert, 728th AS.