Article Posted on : - Jul 01, 2009

Air Mobility RODEO 2009 logo.

WASHINGTON (PTI): The Indian Air Force will take part in the international air mobility competition to be held in the US this month, organisers of the event announced on Wednesday.

To be staged from July 19 to July 25, 'Air Mobility RODEO 2009' is being hosted by Air Mobility Command at Washington- based McChord Air Force Base of the US Air Force.

More than 100 teams and 2,500 people from the US and friendly nations are expected to compete or observe in the week-long event which focuses on improving worldwide air mobility forces' professional core abilities.

The last RODEO readiness competition also took place at McChord Air Force Base in July 2007.

The competition started in 1956 as the "Reserve Troop Carrier Rodeo", while the first active duty airdrop competition occurred in April 1962.

An important long-term benefit, the US Air Force said, is increased cooperation between air mobility forces among participating nations.

Collectively, the ultimate goal of the competition is to develop and improve techniques and procedures that enhance air mobility operations.

"Not only does this world-class competition train mobility forces for the fight, it provides a forum for our international partners to share the best of tactics and techniques," said Maj Gen Brooks Base, AMC Directorate of Air, Space and Information Operations commander and RODEO 2009 commander.