rodeo closing ceremonies

MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. – International representatives of allied nations who participated in the Air Mobility Rodeo 2009 wave their countries’ flags during closing ceremonies here July 24. Flight crew members, maintainers, security forces, and joint airdrop inspection specialists here competed against more than 100 teams and 2,500 people from the Air Force and allied nations at this biennial, international competition July 19-25 at McChord Air Force Base, Wash. The units competed in events that tested and judged every aspect of their career fields' core competencies. The Rodeo is designed to demonstrate air mobility mission capabilities, seek out new tactics, techniques, and procedures that improve mission results, increase esprit de corps both among competing teams and internationally, and build standardization and safety. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Carolyn Viss)