Laughlin T-1 crew competing in 2011 AMC Rodeo

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Jennifer Painter
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Five of Laughlin's best aviators are set to compete in the 2011 Air Mobility Command Rodeo at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. July 24-29.

The AMC Rodeo is the Mobility Air Force's biennial, international readiness competition that tests the skills of air and ground crews, provides valuable joint and combined training, fosters camaraderie and allows teams the chance to compare and develop techniques and procedures.

More than 150 teams comprised of about 3,000 individuals from active duty, Reserve, Air National Guard and allied nation units gather to compete in the AMC Rodeo every two years. Laughlin has a team from the 86th Flying Training Squadron competing. Maintenance, aeromedical evacuation, aerial port ops, security forces and special tactics teams are also tested in relevant skills.

In an effort to simulate a realistic wartime environment, each event is performed as it would be in an actual deployment. Aeromedical evacuation teams are tested on how quickly they can set up their medical equipment with both the aircraft flying and parked and port operation teams load and unload aircraft with the engines still running.

Laughlin's aircrew will fly two competition sorties, in which they will have to demonstrate a low-level airdrop, aerial refueling, and an unfamiliar instrument approach. In addition, every team member takes a physical fitness test with the teams weighted, combined total being submitted for scoring.

The rodeo tradition began in 1956, when the Continental Air Command sent its 13 troop-carrier wings to participate in a "Reserve Troop Carrier Rodeo" at Bakalar AFB, Ind. International air mobility partners were included in the competition starting in 1979.

There are seven other nations competing at this year's rodeo, and 20 others observing.

Laughlin's team trained for the competition with five out-and-back sorties as well as three cross country sorties. During these flights the crew perfected their technique, timing and teamwork.

Team members are selected by level of experience and demonstrated proficiency. For example, Laughlin's T-1 Team Chief, Capt. Justin Esquivel, 86th Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot, has 2,858 hours of total rated time. He and every other team member are well-qualified to represent Laughlin at the 2011 AMC Rodeo, and would not be the first to succeed at the Rodeo.

"Our team has a lot of experience, has put in a lot of work and will undoubtedly accomplish their objective: to win" said Lt. Col. Brian LaMirande, 86th Flying Training Squadron commander.

Laughlin has a successful history at the AMC Rodeo. In 2009, Laughlin's team won "Best T-1 Air Refueling Crew", "Best Low-level Airdrop Crew" and "Best T-1 Aircrew", sweeping every event they competed in for the second time in a row.

Hopefully, the 2011 team can rustle up similar results and bring home a couple more trophies in addition to new techniques and ideas on how to improve training at Laughlin.