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RODEO 2009: Belgian air force enjoys spirited competition

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Carrie M. Peasinger
  • RODEO 2009 Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Members of the Belgian air force are among the more than 2,500 participants in the Air Mobility RODEO 2009, an international competition and training event geared toward optimizing mobility partnerships.

"Being here is like a present," said Commandant Tom Casier, a pilot from the air transport 16th Wing from Melsbroek Belgium. "Especially with such a motivated team its great fun and we hope to learn a lot and do well."

RODEO provides many learning opportunities for the international teams who may not be familiar with the U.S. systems, standards and aircraft.

"We are able to watch how other countries work and see if they have better techniques that we may be able to try on our aircrafts," said Commandant Casier.

"This is an opportunity to see how other units and countries operate," said Maj. Chris Sedlacek, a RODEO umpire, who helped evaluate the teams. "We are able to share experience with others who may have different perspectives."

For most of the Belgian team members, this is their first RODEO. The Belgian team consists of 27 members, including pilots, the maintenance team and a public relations member.

"Our team is working well and we give each other a lot of support," said Commandant Casier. "We did not have a lot of time to work together in preparation for the competition, but we all have come together smoothly."

Among the various competitions the Belgians will participate in are aerial port operations, combat backing off-load, air drop, assault landing, maintenance events and the tanker cargo loading.

"Some of these events we are trying for the first time such as backing up the aircraft after landing," said Commandant Casier. "The event calls for us to follow a track on a course then stop in the safety zone and remove a pallet."

The backing off-load and other events have also helped foster strong relationships among U.S. and international participants, throughout RODEO, added Commandant Casier.

"Other international teams are big supporters and our partnerships are strengthened," he said.

RODEO events continue through Friday.