Base members gear up for Rodeo

  • Published
  • By Nick DeCicco
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE. Calif. --  At the Air Mobility Rodeo competition later this month, you won't find Travis Air Force Base members resting on their laurels. 

Sure, the base has won 30 awards during the last two events combined -- including the coveted "Best of the Best" title in 2007 -- but Maj. Steve Hertenstein, the base's point of contact for Rodeo, said the focus is on the present. 

"We're going into it with the mindset that it doesn't matter what you did, it's this year that counts," Major Hertenstein said. 

Rodeo 2009, hosted by Air Mobility Command, is a biennial readiness competition between U.S. and international mobility air forces. It focuses on improving warfighting capabilities. 

Travis will send aircrew and maintenance teams for the C-17 Globemaster III, C-5 Galaxy and KC-10 Extender as well as members of the Security Forces Squadron, 60th Aerial Port Squadron, 615th Contingency Response Wing and the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West. 

The base is sending approximately 150 people to the competition from July 18 to 25 at McChord Air Force Base in Washington, Major Hertenstein said. 

Members from 35 military installations and 17 international teams are expected to be a part of the competition as well. 

The competition starts "literally from the second we land," Major Hertenstein said. 

Teams are judged on how well they make their arrival time and points are docked for lateness. 

"The goal is always to challenge yourself to get better, build camaraderie, be safe and have fun," the major said. 

Bases earn points for each event. Competitions include on/offloading equipment, endurance courses, pre- and post-flight inspections and more. The points are tallied at the end to determine who earns the best of the best trophy. 

"The aim is always to compete and represent Travis well," Major Hertenstein said. 

In addition to the Rodeo competition, the base will host a hospitality tent featuring culture and commerce from Northern California. 

The venue is a place for everyone to unwind and relax between or after competing, Major Hertenstein said. 

"Traditionally, it's pretty popular," Major Hertenstein said. He said teams, participants and distinguished visitors frequent the tent. 

One distinguished visitor Travis is sending to Rodeo is Col. James Vechery. Colonel Vechery is scheduled to assume command of the 60th Air Mobility Wing the day before the competition begins. 

Travis claimed 17 awards including the top prize in the 2007 contest. In 2005, Travis members walked away with 13 awards.