RODEO 2009: Team Dover returns from RODEO

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Steve Lewis
  • 512th Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Airmen from the 512th and 436th Airlift Wings have returned to Dover Air Force Base, Del., after participating in the Air Mobility RODEO 2009 at McChord AFB, Wash., July 19-25. 

Over 100 teams, including seven foreign countries, faced off in the biannual competition, which tested the Airmen in airlift operations including aerial port, maintenance, security forces and aircrew. 

Although Team Dover's extensive preparation and cohesiveness didn't result in any trophies, but the competition did serve as a vital learning experience for the participants.
 
"The RODEO was a great experience and I thought the blended team concept worked well," said team chief, Lt. Col. Kevin Higginbotham, 326th Airlift Squadron. 

For most of Team Dover's participants, this year's RODEO was a first-time experience. Senior Airman Mark Devine, 436th Security Forces Squadron said the competition was a highlight of his Air Force career so far. 

"I feel more confident training-wise and I'd love to take some of the stuff I learn to show people back at home station," said Airman Devine. 

In the closing ceremony celebration on July 24, 74 awards were announced to the competing teams. Among the different categories was the Best Air Mobility Team, or "Best of the Best," which went to the 62nd Airlift Wing, McChord AFB. The scoring was close, with the final results being tallied just minutes prior to the ceremony. 

"What an amazing week this has been for the mobility community and from what I saw, it (RODEO) was just as competitive as I thought it would be," said General Arthur J. Lichte, Air Mobility Command commander, during his closing remarks at the ceremony. "Everyone is leaving here a winner." 

As Team Dover works together to hone their skills and tactics gained from the RODEO, Colonel Higginbotham said he was determined to have the wings come home as winners in the future. 

"We look forward to doing RODEO again in two years and next time we'll bring home a trophy," he said. 

For more RODEO award results, visit www.amc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123160428.