121st Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

Story by Capt. Karen O'Neill

McCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Washington - The 121st Air Refueling Wing competed in RODEO 2009 at McChord Air Force Base, Washington, July 18-25, and finished less than a point from first place against 11 other tanker teams.

RODEO is the Air Force's premier competition for Air Mobility Command organizations and their Airmen. More than 100 teams and 2,500 people competed from the Air Force, Air Force Guard and Reserve, as well as seven international teams. Fourteen allied nations observed the competition.

"We did better than anyone else in our primary mission of getting the gas to the right place on time," said Maj. Lance Kollstedt, RODEO team commander. The 121st, led by Capt. Nick Hupp, 1st Lt. Jason Morgan and Tech. Sgt. William Gilbert, won best air refueling and placed second overall as a tanker aircrew team.

The team prepared and trained for more than four months.

"The hard work and dedication of all RODEO members went above and beyond, something each member will remember for a long time," said maintenance team chief Tech. Sgt. Steve Rood.

The maintenance team finished in sixth place in the tanker category. To the credit of the entire maintenance team, the umpires agreed that the 121st had the best-looking aircraft in the competition.

The original 1962 competition was a combat skills competition designed to develop and improve techniques and procedures while enhancing air mobility operations, and promoting esprit de corps.

In 1979, RODEO was expanded to include international air mobility partners. RODEO tests the flight and ground skills of aircrews as well as the related skills of special tactics, security forces, aerial port operations, aeromedical evacuation and maintenance team members. It also provides valuable joint and combined training for all participants.

The four-member security forces team led by Tech. Sgt. Troy Taylor competed in three events showcasing combat weapons, combat tactics and a combat endurance course. Taylor has competed in two previous RODEO competitions and said this year's team was unique because his team was comprised of himself and three young Airmen. In years past it was mainly non-commissioned officers.

They trained 50 hours a week for a month and had a motto of continue doing what others won't. Their motto paid off for the team with a second place finish amongst all tanker teams and fifth overall against 28 other security forces teams.

"I wouldn't change a thing. We trained hard, we worked hard, and we did well as an organization" Taylor said.

An important long-term benefit is increased cooperation between air mobility forces from several nations. Collectively, the ultimate goal of the competition is to develop and improve techniques and procedures that enhance air mobility operations. Spirited competition furthers that aim, while strengthening the mutual goals and bonds of friendship developed between competing teams.

RODEO provides a forum for Airmen and international partners to share the best tactics and techniques as improvement and cooperation are essential in the continued pursuit of the Global War on Terrorism.

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