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Team Dover prepares for 2009 AMC Rodeo

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt Joe Simms
  • 22nd AF Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Reservists from here are preparing to leave for McChord AFB, Wash., to participate in the 2009 Air Mobility Command Rodeo July 19-24.

Citizen Airmen from the 512th Airlift Wing will work along side Regular Air Force members from Dover AFB in competitions focusing on aircrew operations, aerial port, maintenance and security forces.

The AMC Rodeo began at Scott AFB, Ill., in 1962 to evaluate the proficiency of aircrews' aerial delivery procedures and the effectiveness of unit training programs. Through the years, the rodeo has evolved into a highly competitive event showcasing the best AMC has to offer while enhancing esprit de corps.

The biannual event, billed as an airlift and airdrop competition, brings together squadrons from the Regular Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard to demonstrate the full extent of airlift capabilities in the Air Force.  Over the years, the competition has expanded to include allied nations.

"This team from Dover is unique because active duty and reservists will be working side-by- side," said Maj. Mark Chagaris, 512th Airlift Wing C-17 aircrew commander participating in the AMC Rodeo. "This week will be a reflection on Team Dover and not individual wings."

Majors Chagaris and Rich Klarich of the 326th Airlift Squadron, along with Tech. Sgt. Harry Pollock bring more than 25 years of C-17 experience to McChord AFB and have known each other since 2001, when they were stationed at Charleston AFB, S.C.

The competition begins the moment the wheels of their C-17 Globemaster III touch down at McChord AFB. Each participating unit is given an estimated time of arrival and are evaluated on their ability to arrive at a base at a specific time.

Major Chagaris and his team are then graded on their ability to land in a 500-foot area on the runway during day and night flight.

The crew will also be evaluated on their air refueling skills. Team Dover will have a predetermined time to hook up with the boom from a KC-135, disengage, then meet at an exact contact point in the sky.

"The air refueling will be the most challenging part of the competition," Major Klarich said. "We have to be 50 feet from the tanker at a specific time, close on the boom in one minute and maintain contact for 20 minutes without the assistance of autopilot."