916th teams return from RODEO 2007

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Randy LeMay
  • 916th Air Refueling Wing
Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. --  In a tradition that began at Pope Air Force Base, N.C. in 1962, Air Mobility Command's showcase competition, Air Mobility RODEO 2007 once again provides a forum to determine who is the "best of the best."

"The RODEO competition is about mobility warriors at their finest," said General Duncan J. McNabb, commander, Air Mobility Command. "It is mostly about young Airmen, young sergeants and young lieutenants as a celebration of mobility and mobility excellence."

RODEO 2007 provided an atmosphere that fostered teamwork and a chance to hone skills such air refueling, aeromedical evacuation, aerial port, aircraft maintenance, airdrop, security forces and others.

"When I think about RODEO, I think about competition," stated Brig. Gen. Kip L. Self, RODEO 2007 commander. "Our Airmen get a chance to prove their tactics, techniques and procedures,"

The 916th Air Refueling Wing, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base is one of only six Reserve wings competing among active duty personal.

RODEO 2007 had the largest international presence since opening the competition to the world with more than 30 nations represented.

In late July at McChord Air Force Base, Wash, the aircrew, consisting of three pilots and two boom operators from the 77th Aerial Flying Squadron, were evaluated on such items as their arrival to the competition, air refueling and cargo loading.

Three members of the 916th Security Forces Squadron competed in areas of tactics, weapons and finally a culmination of these in an obstacle course.

"We personally spent three months on this airplane to make sure that everything fits within specifications," said Tech. Sgt. Mark Kromeke, assistant crew chief with the 916th Maintenance Group.

Sergeant Kromeke explained there were daily observations by inspectors or umpires. The evaluations or inspections covered different jobs or tasks carried out by the ground crew and aircrew.

The ground crew or maintenance crew consisted of two leadership roles and six specialists that ensured the work completed was right and by the book.

The three specific tasks for grades or points to be completed by the ground crew was refueling of the aircraft, a preflight inspection and a hourly post flight inspection that could last as long as six hours.

Although they were just at the RODEO as observers, two members of the 4th Fighter Wing, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, showed up on the flightline early in the morning in recognition and support of a maintenance inspection.

Col. Robert Stormes, A4 director and Chief Master Sgt. Tim Harmon, A4 Weapon Systems superintendent with the 4th FW displayed another fine example of the partnership between the 916th ARW and 4th FW.

"We wanted to be here for the 916th at RODEO 2007 in support of Team Seymour," said Chief Harmon. "There was no question that we would be up early this morning."

These competitions are an important opportunity to show the skills that these members have, added Chief Harmon. It felt good to be out here and support this organization.

"RODEO 2007 was about the competition," said General McNabb. "This has been the largest Rodeo ever and it just doesn't get any better, does it?"

While the 916th didn't wing any awards this year, they came close to some accolades and even achieved the highest maintenance score they have ever earned while participating in the competition. In 2009, the wing will shoot for the prize again.