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Grand Forks to host 'Tanker Olympics'

  • Published
  • By Capt. Michael J. Meridith
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AMCNS) --  As the world’s attention remains fixed on the Winter Olympics in Italy, another unique competition is set to take place at Grand Forks AFB this week.

Dubbed the “Tanker Winter Games,” this four-day event, which starts Feb. 23, brings together representatives from 18th Air Force tanker units, including the 6th Air Mobility Wing at MacDill AFB, Fla., the 19th Air Refueling Group at Robins AFB, Ga., the 22nd Air Refueling Wing at McConnell AFB, Kan., the 92nd ARW at Fairchild AFB, Wash., and the 319th ARW here.

According to planners, the goal of the event is professional development through discussions on issues of mutual importance, and most importantly – some friendly competition.

“The tanker community has been very busy with the Global War on Terror,” said Capt. Michael Davis, one of the event planners. “The games are the perfect venue to discuss developing issues affecting the ways we train and fight, as well as build camaraderie in the process.”

Although the units arrive Feb. 23, the “meat” of the event begins the following day with “human dog sled races” across the base’s snow-covered, subzero landscape. After a brief respite, the games resume with street hockey, a 1.5-mile run, climbing on the fitness center’s artificial rock wall, and dodge ball.

In addition to the games and professional development discussions, visitors will also get an opportunity to sample local offerings, including tours of the area and the chance to watch a University of North Dakota women’s basketball game. They’ll also be able to enjoy the base community’s hospitality at the Feb. 25 “Winter Fest” party, before departing as part of an impressive, four-aircraft tanker formation the following day.

“Grand Forks is a great place to work and live and we want to show our fellow tanker warriors just what is offered here,” said Col. Lee DeRemer, commander of the 319th Operations Group. “We’re looking forward to spirited competition, a tour of the local area, a chance to show our hospitality with Winter Fest, and, of course, a timely discussion of relevant training and deployment issues for the KC-135. It’s our task to show our tanker partners a wonderful time, do some professional work and enjoy some esprit de corps.”