Israeli chief serves as umpire at Rodeo 2011

Published July 28, 2011
By Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski
Air Mobility Rodeo 2011 Public Affairs

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash., -- -- The sole representative from the Israeli air force at Air Mobility Rodeo 2011, Chief Master Sgt. Itzhak Nevo is the guy every C-130 maintainer looks to.

"They think I know everything because I've been working on C-130s since 1975," Nevo joked.

Nevo is serving as an umpire at Rodeo, the biennial international competition that pits mobility crews against each other to find out which team is the best in the world. Events focus on mission readiness, featuring airdrops, aerial refueling and other contests that showcase the skills of mobility crews from around the world.

As an umpire, he partners with three other senior aircraft maintenance technicians to watch the competitors and grade them on their performance. He and his team are also charged with making sure everyone stays safe during the competitions.

"You can't cut corners, you can't just try to use work-arounds," Nevo said. "Maintenance is a serious job and you have to do it by the book."

Nevo was invited to come here by fellow Rodeo umpires. In previous years, the Israeli air force competed, but budget concerns kept them from sending a C-130 for Rodeo 2011. Nevo was undeterred and volunteered to come and help in any way possible.

"I feel like I'm at home here," he said. "Everyone is very hospitable and asks me lots of questions -- about me, about where I've been - just getting to know each other."

Other than "talking shop" about C-130 maintenance, the chief has spent most nights at Rodeo indulging people with war stories, like the time he helped evacuate hundreds of people in the middle of the night or tales of his involvement in the various conflicts his country has been involved in since he joined the military.

"It refuels you to talk to people and make new friends," he said, "Especially when you've been doing this as long as I have.

"I really hope Rodeo keeps going," he added. "If Israel doesn't send a team next time, I'm going to volunteer again. I'm just happy to be a part of it all."