Aerial porters compete in rodeo to hone skills Published June 24, 2013 By 72nd Aerial Port Squadron TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Members of the 72nd Aerial Port Squadron competed in a local rodeo competition demonstrating their skills in loading and preparing cargo for delivery. The rodeo competition gave the aerial port members the ability to demonstrate the best overall team for aerial port operations and at the same time train members honing their skills. The rodeo is a skills competition that's primary purpose is to demonstrate proficiency in tasks performed by front line aerial porters around the world on a day to day basis. The Rodeo consisted of seven events: 1) 44 Passenger Bus Obstacle Course, 2) 60K Loader Obstacle Course, 3)10K Standard Fork truck Obstacle Course, 4) 463L pallet from ground to K-loader transfer, 5) 463L pallet build up/breakdown, 7) Vehicle load & tie downs. The events were graded against time. Points were awarded per category based on the number of teams that were competing in each particular event. Each event was judged by a qualified Senior Non-Commissioned Officer. The rodeo competition also promoted Air Force core values. The Airmen on these events demonstrated team work, team building, camaraderie, and the wingman concept. Participating Airmen also had to be aware of their surroundings, apply operation risk management, and apply safety practices, use the proper techniques to handle the workload. The 2013 Annual Rodeo Competition winners per category were: 1) The 44 passenger bus obstacle course: Passenger & Aircraft Services 2) The 60 K obstacle course: Air Terminal Operation Center & Special Handling 3) The 10K forklift obstacle course: Passenger & Aircraft Services 4) 463L Pallet upload: Passenger & Aircraft Services 5) 463L Pallet Buildup: Air Terminal Operation Center & Special Handling 6) Air Craft load and Vehicle Tie down: Passenger & Air Craft Services The overall 2013 72nd Annual Rodeo Champions was the Passenger and Aircraft Services section.