Inaugural competition bears bite of 22nd port dawgs

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Joe Simms
  • 22nd Air Force
DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, GA --  The inaugural 22nd Air Force Aerial Port ROUNDUP kicked off Friday at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga. Members from 18 Aerial Port squadrons met at the Transportation Proficiency Center on Dobbins to compete in six events based on real world and Air Expeditionary Force takings. 

The three-day competition tested the proficiency of five-member aerial port teams in tasks including an engine running off/on load, joint inspection, material handling equipment and in-transit visibility. A Fit to Fight and Airman's Manual trivia competition were accomplished by each team Saturday afternoon. 

"Active duty calls on aerial port squadrons more than ever and the rodeo is a great vehicle to train our members while enhancing esprit de corps," said Col. Christopher Weimar, 22nd AF A4 deputy director. "One thing these units will take away from this competition, whether they are first place or 18th place, is lessons learned." 

Most events used three team members with the exception of the engine running off/on load, which required the entire team to load and unload two pallets and a HUMVEE onto a C-130 Hercules. 

Umpires graded teams on the time elapsed in completing each task, adherence to safety procedures and the ability to successfully navigate the exercises. Prizes for the winners included trophies for best overall score, with each member of the team receiving their own set of spurs, and engraved 22nd AF ROUNDUP belt buckles for winning teams of each individual event. 

Air Force Reserve aerial port squadrons have a history of participation in competitions dating back 30 years. Many of these competitions, including the long-standing Air Mobility Command Rodeo, incorporated aerial port squadrons with flight crews, maintenance squadrons, and other organizations involved with flying operations. The 22nd AF ROUNDUP is the first roundup specifically geared to aerial port squadrons and their unique tasks. 

Colonel Weimar initiated the planning for the ROUNDUP two years ago and with the help of the aerial port staff and others, hosted the event here. He realized the event would be a great opportunity for aerial port squadrons to maintain their proficiency in a competitive environment while building relationships with other APSs throughout the 22nd. 

Many of the 200 participants, umpires and support staff are traditional reservists who sacrificed weekends to take part in this competition. Some units used this opportunity to prepare for Operational Readiness Inspections or AEF tours, while others just returning from deployments were able to show what they learned from their experiences overseas. 

22nd AF A4 staff was pleased to be able to do something to thank aerial port squadrons for their vigilance during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, and hope to encourage further volunteerism in the future. 

"We have a career field with high morale," said Lt. Col. Stephen Motylinski, 22nd AF Aerial Port director. "Holding competitions like this is one way we maintain such a strong sense of  esprit de corps."