Air Mobility RODEO 2009

A member of the Republic of Korea team cheers on participants in the fit-to-fight competition 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 Command RODEO 2009

Members of the Republic of Korea air force team participate in the fit-to-fight competition 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)

RODEO 2009: Republic of Korea learns new tactics, gains friendship at RODEO

Published July 22, 2009
By Airman 1st Class Amber Kelly-Herard
RODEO 2009 Public Affairs

MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- The Republic of Korea air force is one of seven international teams competing in Air Mobility RODEO 2009.

For most of the team members this was their first RODEO. It is also one of the few times they had been in America and interacted with so many other international air forces.

"This is a beautiful Air Force base and it is very big," said ROKAF Capt. Hwang Jung Hwan, a C-130 navigator. "Korean air force bases are small. I am also impressed with how very kind and helpful the people here are."

One of the ways Korea benefitted from RODEO is they got to bond with their brothers from Turkey.

"During the 1950s Turkey sent their military to help with the Korean War, so we work very well together," said Captain Hwan.

Korea also interacted a lot with personnel from Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., and Little Rock AFB, Ark., because their tents were located next to each other.

"We all have C-130s so we look at technical orders and manuals and it gives us a better chance of improving our flying safety and procedures," said Captain Hwan.

"RODEO has been a good experience for us," added Capt. Suntae Kim, a pilot and videographer. "It's a new place, with different people and different cultures. This is a chance for us to learn new C-130 operation skills and a chance to enhance our air mobility capabilities."

The Koreans brought two public affairs officers to write stories, take pictures and capture video of RODEO to show to the other units in Korea.

"RODEO is like the Olympics," said ROKAF Capt. Seung Jin Pyo, public affairs officer. "Only a few of us get to come here and it's an honor, but we get to take what we have learned and share with all the ones who didn't come."

The most exciting thing that the Koreans experienced at RODEO was the security forces demonstrations.

"When we first arrived here I heard gunfire and I was surprised," said Captain Hwan. "I didn't know it was a demonstration, but now it is exciting to watch.'

"I also enjoy Rainier Ranch with the bands and dancing," he added.

"I've also made so many friends," said Captain Kim. "Even though we look different and speak different languages, we all wear similar uniforms and work on similar planes to do the same thing."

The ROKAF and the other RODEO participants are all working toward enhancing air mobility to support worldwide operations.

RODEO runs through Friday.