Wear Blues Wednesday Published May 3, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Jessica Tope 43rd Airlift Wing historian POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- As Pope prepares for its last Air Mobility RODEO as a wing this summer, the base will wear the blue service uniform Wednesday to celebrate this event. The Air Mobility RODEO is a combat skills competition designed to enhance air mobility operations techniques and procedures for both aircrews and support personnel. Pope was honored as the first installation to host an Airlift Rodeo in April 1962. Pope hosted the RODEO in April, 2000 in which the opening ceremony included a High-Altitude Low Opening (HALO) parachute jump, a mass paratrooper airdrop and a performance by the 82nd Airborne Division's All American Chorus. The flying portion of the competition commenced at the end of the long day of flight and ground operations everyone met at "Dodge City," a central meeting place located on Fort Bragg. The time at Dodge City was used to compare scores, see old friends and meet competitors from all over the world and to praise the victors at the nightly awards ceremony. During the closing ceremony, the 43rd Airlift Wing was awarded the Best Airdrop Wing, the Best C-130/C-160 wing, and the best Joint Airdrop Inspection team. Additionally, the 21st Special Tactics squadron was honored as the best Special Tactics Team. The 43rd AW raised the standard of hosting the RODEO competition to a new level. McCord AFB, Wash., will host the next Air Mobility RODEO competition from July 22 to 28 and this will be the last RODEO competition the 43rd AW will compete in as a wing due to the Base Realignment and Closure law. For more information about the historical data reflecting the 43rd AW, the Air Mobility RODEO or any other historical related issues, call Staff Sgt. Jessica Tope at 394-1075.