Team McGuire makes AMC Rodeo history

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class William P. O'Neil III
  • 514th Air Mobility Wing
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, NJ --  A crowd of well wishers gathered early today to bid farewell and good luck to three McGuire Rodeo teams as they saddled their gear and boarded their competition ready aircraft destined for McChord Air Force Base in Washington.  

The McGuire crew makes history today by being the first base ever to send a joint active duty and reserve team to compete in the Air Mobility Command Rodeo being held now through July 27. 

"By sending a blended C-17 Globemaster III team we're showing the way of the future in total force," said Col. Rick Martin, commander of 305th Air Mobility Wing during the departing ceremony. 

The joint team is comprised of three C-17 aircrew members and 10 maintainers. Capt. Daniel Fehl a pilot assigned to the 732nd Airlift Squadron is the Reserve representative on the joint aircrew team while the maintainers have five Reserve members. 

McGuire's Reserve wing, the 514th Air Mobility Wing is also sending one 15-member KC-10 Extender team consisting of four aircrew and ten maintainers. 

"Every team member has been preparing for Rodeo by practicing their skills and participating in weekly physical conditioning," said Lt. Col. Craig Cady, Rodeo team chief, 305th AMW. 

The C-17 team's competition begins with a graded touchdown upon arrival at McChord AFB within one minute of a pre-determined arrival time. In addition, there are three flights scheduled during the following days where the team will demonstrate their skills. The events include: day and night air refueling, short field assault landings, tactical low levels with a focus on time on target, tactical usage of night vision devices and crew coordination exercises including precision aircraft backing and combat offloads. 

"This competition will show us what we did well and could do better," said Colonel Cady.
The KC-10 team will compete in four events. These events are: pre-flight inspection, basic post-flight inspection, aircraft refueling operations, and daily observations including safety and launch and recovery operations. 

Maj. Rick Berls, 514th AMW Rodeo team chief explained what the KC-10 team competition is like. 

"We are doing what we do everyday, except Rodeo competition adds constraints on the mission which in turn causes us to hone our skills even further," said Major Berls. 
The team chief also commented on the challenge participating in this year's Rodeo presents.
"Our current operations tempo has made it difficult to prepare this year," said Major Berls. "We have been busy supporting the Northeast Tanker Task Force, tactical missions, and many fighter movements throughout the world." 

Despite those challenges team members are excited about the competition. 

"It's a great opportunity for reservists to play with the total force in an international arena," said Maj. Rob Dunham, KC-10 aircraft commander. "Inter-flying between the squadrons in a fun competition builds esprit de corps." 

"While training for the rodeo I felt honored to be on board with Uncle Sam's finest," said Staff Sgt. Matt Yockey a KC-10 boom operator. "Our crew and maintainers have been working hard to make it happen, and I'm looking forward to the competition."
Rodeo maintainers commented on their preparation. 

"Beginning in May, the teams have dedicated over 600 hours per week both flying missions and getting the aircraft in top condition, said Master Sgt. Paul Sigloch a C-17 Rodeo maintainer. 

Master Sgt. Gustavo Ramirez, 714th Air Maintenance Squadron maintenance team chief gave the breakdown of the maintenance team's composition. 

"Ninety percent of our crew never participated in a Rodeo competition and this crew is hand selected from a group of about 50 volunteers," said Sergeant Ramirez. "The five different specialties include crew chiefs, electricians, jets, communication navigation, guidance control, and one maintenance officer." 

Maintenance officer, 1st Lt. Rebecca Daugherty expressed enthusiasm for her team's chances. 

"The team has been working so diligently with a lot of pride and passion," said Daugherty. "We are looking forward to competing with the best of the best and show them what we are made of."