62nd COMM completes Rodeo puzzle By 2nd Lt. Katherine Kebisek Rodeo Public Affairs MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. (AMCNS) -- Months of preparation have assembled the puzzle pieces necessary to ensure a successful Rodeo. Perhaps one the most essential, an Published June 20, 2005 Months of preparation have assembled the puzzle pieces necessary to ensure a successful Rodeo. Perhaps one the most essential, and busiest, pieces of the 2005 Rodeo puzzle has been the 62nd Communications Squadron here. With more than 1,000 people coming to McChord Air Force Base for the one-week air mobility event, computers, Internet connections, cell phones, radios and a host of other communication services are needed to keep the competition running smoothly. Initial planning for Rodeo communications began in July. The 200-person communication squadron has been working constantly since then to meet Rodeo 2005 needs. Everyone in our squadron has done something to support Rodeo because of all the infrastructure weve been doing over the past year, said 2nd Lt. Heather Lamb, project officer for Rodeo communications. The 62nd CS has several augmentees from across the country working during the event. One of the squadrons first projects was upgrading communications in billeting. They ran new fiber and copper throughout the buildings and provided high-speed Internet in distinguished visitor rooms. A large project was setting up a new wireless Internet network in the hangars and Rainier Ranch, Rodeos tent city. The network allows people with wireless-enabled computers to access the Internet. In addition to the big projects, the communications squadron had several ongoing jobs to complete as well including setting up phones and computers, issuing equipment, and setting up a network to transfer satellite imagery. According to Lieutenant Lamb, more than 150 cell phones and 200 land-mobile radios were set aside for Rodeo requirements. As people flow through the communications help desk to pick up their equipment, communications professionals remain available to help with problems and requirements. Were really ramped up in terms of the hours that were working, Lieutenant Lamb said. To support Rodeo, weve had to move our footprint forward so that were out where the Rodeo staff is. To meet the amount of communication support needed, a help desk is located in Hangar 4, Hangar 3 and Rainier Ranch, with communications staff readily available to assist. When competition begins, the main thing were going to be looking for is having a really quick support time, said Lieutenant Lamb. When things are happening, if communications go down, they need to get right back up. After everyone departs, communications people will begin collecting all of the equipment that has been checked out, getting it back to the warehouse and taking inventory. While easier than setting it all up, teardown is still a big job. Im really proud of our people theyre really stepping up, said Lieutenant Lamb. She said the feedback shes gotten so far has been positive and people are getting a quick response in solving their communications issues. Throughout the week the 62nd CS will continue to provide support when and where its needed, working hard to do their part for a successful Rodeo. Air Mobility Command News Service is a service of the Internal Division Office of Public Affairs 503 Ward Drive, Room 214 Scott Air Force Base, Illinois 62225-5335 618-229-7821