Ready to rustle up victory: McChord Airmen lasso final training prep at Moses Lake

Published July 13, 2007
By Airman 1st Class Kirsten Wicker
62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- The Grant County International Airport in Moses Lake, Wash., is usually a quiet and peaceful place. However, this week the airport is abuzz with the sounds of C-17 Globemaster III engines and Airmen's shouts as McChord's Rodeo teams put the final touches on training for Air Mobility Command's Rodeo 2007.

Rodeo is a premier international air mobility competition that draws the "Best of the Best" from air forces around the world.

McChord's hand-selected Rodeo teams are training hard in the two weeks before the start of the competition July 21.

These teams will represent the 62nd and 446th Airlift Wings in the biennial Rodeo, which features events such as airdrops, air refuelings, security forces, aerial port, maintenance and aeromedical evacuation.

"This is the point where everything comes together," said maintenance competitor Staff Sgt. Zachary Hoene, 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "We've been training, and we have all the little pieces put together. Everything should be natural at this point."

Situated in the vast plains of Eastern Washington, Moses Lake offers the perfect setting for final training preparations. The landscape is a great, brown spread of earth and the air is dry and arid, with temperatures soaring into the mid-90 degrees Fahrenheit.

"This is a great way to train for Rodeo," said aerial port rodeo team commander, 1st Lt. Miguel Colon, 62nd Aerial Port Squadron. "It allows us time away from the base where we can train all day. It also builds camaraderie and physical fitness."

The training this week at Moses Lake is so intense it garnered local media attention. Five local photographers and reporters photographed and interviewed the teams.

The visiting media were also able to fly with a Rodeo flight crew for an aerial demonstration. While the crew practiced air assault landings, a land-and-stop and an airdrop of two pallets in a remote area, media were given a chance to observe and hang on for the ride through the low-level and precision flying for which the C-17 is noted.

The demonstration not only offered a unique experience in preparation for Rodeo, but also provided insight into the mission McChord's Airmen perform every day, as well as the teamwork it takes to make it happen, said 62nd AW Rodeo team commander, Maj. Anthony Carr, 10th Airlift Squadron.

"This is the first time in the preparation season that we've been able to get every part of the team together," he said. "We are trying to get them out there where they are able to focus a little more. Their practice the last few days has been really, really strong."

McChord's participation in Rodeo enables countries and units to increase interoperability by sharing best practices and building relationships with international air forces.