Air Mobility RODEO 2009

Members of the German team prepare for opening ceremonies for Air Mobility Command's RODEO 2009 July 19 at McChord Air Force Base, Wash. More than 100 teams are participating in RODEO competition, including teams from seven foreign countries. RODEO is the U.S. Air Force's and AMC's premier air mobility competition. It's an international combat skills and flying operations competition designed to develop and improve techniques, procedures and interoperability with international partners to optimize mobility partnerships and enhance mobility operations. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Tech. Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol)

Air Mobility RODEO 2009

German team builds strong relationships at RODEO 2009

Published July 24, 2009
By 2nd Lt. Erika Wonn
RODEO 2009 Public Affairs

MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- 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 the German team, looking for a win even in her old age. The Germans are from Air Transport Wing 63 in Hohn, Germany.

The team, which has one returning member, won best international team in 2007, and would be happy to return home with a repeat performance, according to Capt. Thomas Falber, German RODEO team leader.

"Of course we want to win, but the best thing is working with the Americans and learning from each other," the captain said.

Working alongside the Germans are eight Airmen from McChord AFB, Wash.

"We do things very different. Americans have a lot of different technology, while the Germans are a little more old fashioned," Captain Falber said. "We have the technology, but we just like things being more handmade."

Although the Americans and Germans are learning much from each other, there are still a few hurdles to overcome in the process.

"Language is of course a barrier, but we are working to get past that together," the German captain said. "It has been a challenge bringing our thinking together at times. Sometimes American and German thinking differs."

Of the relationships made outside of work, the German captain recalls a few reasons to be thankful for those times.

"It's nice to be able to spend time with Americans not in a war setting," he said. "The relationships built here will truly last a lifetime."

For one German airman, this is especially true. A former German RODEO team member met his wife at the competition in 2007.

The Germans also made another new friend in retired Col. Gail Halverson, famed "Candy Bomber" of 1947's Berlin Airlift.

"We are very proud to meet him," said German loadmaster Master Sgt. Kai Hanno. In fact he had Colonel Halverson sign his German flight license. "I may get in a little trouble with my commander for that, but it will be worth it," the sergeant said.

Captain Falber said the camaraderie here at RODEO is something they will not soon forget. "Working with the Americans is something we truly enjoy," he said.