733rd Air Mobility Squadron and 9th Air Wing Showcase Okinawa Port Dawg Rodeo

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Trevon Averhart
  • 733rd Air Mobility Squadron
NAHA AIR BASE, Japan --  

The 733rd Air Mobility Squadron partnered with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) members in the first JASDF-hosted Port Dawg Rodeo, strengthening interoperability. This inaugural aerial port challenge took place July 17-19, 2024, at the Naha Air Base cargo terminal.

 

Originating at Bakalar Air Force Base, Indiana, in 1956, the Port Dawg Rodeo has become a staple in Air Force history and air transportation culture. In this first JASDF-hosted Rodeo, both units achieved the strategic objective of enhancing interoperability and improving reliability in air mobility operations.

The Port Dawg Rodeo included events ranging from pallet build-up to cargo loading operations. USAF and JASDF competitors were paired and divided into seven teams of two. The 733 AMS and JASDF 9th Air Wing partners were introduced on Day 1, as leadership outlined competition components and strategic objectives.

Members of the 733 AMS collaborated with their local partners, developing various strategies through the competitive events and highlighting the growing relationships between U.S. forces and our host nation.

“It was a great experience working with the JASDF, learning the differences and similarities we share,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Joshua Shine, 733 AMS passenger services supervisor. “Assisting in the download of one of their aircraft really showed the vast similarities of our own and how key the exercise is for real-world applications.”

Across every Port Dawg Rodeo, the values of planning and execution, team building, strategic thinking, and sound judgment are emphasized. In this cross-coordinated, JASDF-led Rodeo, there was an additional focus on developing communication skills for future collaboration.

“We have a duty to be positive representatives of the U.S. in our interactions, and each member executed well today,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Crane, 733 AMS commander. “As we move forward in an ever-changing global security environment, the partnership between the JASDF and USAF has never been more important. Events like this showcase our dependence on one another and the exponential growth in our coalition’s air mobility capabilities.”

At the event's conclusion, each team was scored on their performance. Precision in scale operations and accuracy in vehicle weighing demonstrated the high-level functions essential to daily air mobility operations for the allied forces.

Japan Air Self-Defense Force Maj. Masaki Miyawaki, Naha AB JASDF Commander, commented, “We are confident that we can contribute to the execution of the Japan-U.S. alliance and maintain strong relationships between members in the field. We will continue to further strengthen the bond between the JASDF and USAF."

Team Delta, consisting of Airman 1st Class Trista Tully and Yusuke Matsumoto, took home the victory and were awarded certificates for their efforts and commitment to excellence.

Port Dawg Rodeos continue to display the fruitful relationships Port Dawgs have internationally, which will continue to be strengthened through continual interoperability efforts.