RODEO 2009: Winners announced for competitions

Air Mobility RODEO 2009 ended today with closing ceremony celebration and the announcement of 74 awards including the coveted "Best of the Best" award. The competition is the U.S. Air Force's and Air Mobility Command's premier mobility competition. Following are 16 of the main awards presented

RODEO 2009: McChord's 62nd AW wins 'Best of the Best'

RODEO 2009: New event tests maintenance skills

A large group of spectators fill bleachers and form a circle around a set of tables topped with maintenance supplies. In the middle of the crowd, someone is yelling out: "No member of the team is allowed to help another member. No looking at the other teams equipment. When all team members are done,

RODEO 2009: Pursuit of excellence is Turkish aim

An international team here has been making a major effort getting to know everyone this week. "We have great relationships with many of the teams here," said Maj. Gurbuz Bulut, Turkish air force team chief at Air Mobility RODEO 2009. "We would be quite happy to take some cups home with us this

RODEO 2009: KC-10 maintainers -- Planes don't fly without them

The 1979 KC-10 models were the first to be used in the Air Force in 1982. Today, there are currently 59 aircraft in the inventory. KC-10 units at McGuire AFB, N.J., and Travis AFB, Calif., provide a lot of off-loaded fuel within the Air Force's deployed area of responsibility, as well as provide

German team builds strong relationships at RODEO 2009

Germany is one of seven international teams competing in Air Mobility RODEO 2009. The German RODEO team first attended the competition in 1982 at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., with an aircraft affectionately known as "Else." The German C-160 Transall, built in 1970, has returned to RODEO this year with

World War II veteran creates 'clean cuts'

For more than 26 years, Mario Pujol's specialty has been taking care of servicemembers here on MacDill. He cuts hair at the barber shop on base and maintains his regular customers with his sharp precise styles. His customers range from Airmen to generals and civilians to family members, but little

Air Force officials establish core team for Nuclear Surety Inspections

Air Force Inspection Agency officials here recently created a new team to increase the standardization and consistency of Nuclear Surety Inspections across the Air Force. The establishment of a centralized team of nuclear inspectors, known as the Air Force NSI Core Team, is another critical

RODEO: Despite setback, Malaysian air force gains valuable experience

Among first-time participants at Air Mobility RODEO 2009 is an international competitor looking to pick up information in several areas. According to Malaysian air force flight commander, Maj. Mohd Anuar Bin Ahmad, the Malaysian contingent's exposure to mobility operations here will enhance its

RODEO 2009: Band's effortless performance anything but easy

When they play, the work behind the performance doesn't show. "Most people can't imagine all the things that have to happen to make this look like it's all we do," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Williams, non-commissioned officer in charge and Music Director for the 45-member Band of the Golden West.The