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RODEO: Despite setback, Malaysian air force gains valuable experience

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Steve Wilkins
  • RODEO 2009 Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  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 strategic and tactical mobility operations. 

Major Ahmad said, after his country's observers attended RODEOs '05 and '07, their team of 25 came to compete this year in ground and flight competitions. They hoped to learn a good deal from umpires in post action evaluations and interaction with Airmen from other nations as they meet after duty hours. 

The down time became more critical Wednesday, when the crew discovered a crack in their aircraft. The damage is incapacitating and repair will outlast the event. Despite the setback, Major Ahmad said the team is doing everything they can to salvage the experience. 

"Other teams have been wonderful," said the Major. "We have managed to seat some crew members as observers on some flights and our maintenance crew has been able to watch for new methods as they participate in the ground categories." 

The team hoped to gain some insights on short landings, heavy equipment drops and the Continuous Delivery System. These procedures were prominent during the competition. 

Still, Major Ahmad said they will take back a wealth of experience, based on their contact with other teams, and the ensuing conversations they have had. 

He asserts that the greatest lesson they've learned has been in safety. 

"We have seen that it is not difficult to be safe and that it can make all the difference," he said. "We have noticed that other teams place safety above all else. We should have that. Nothing moves until everything is right." 

After the aircraft is repaired, the team will take an abundance of experience home with them. Although their competition was cut short their trip seems well worth it.