Shocking competition

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tonnette Thompson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 366th Training Squadron claimed the individual score trophy in the Fourth Annual Lineman's Rodeo May 20 in the electrical systems rodeo training area. 

But, The 375th Civil Engineer Squadron from Scott Air Force Base, Ill. took home their third consecutive team score trophy. 

"It was nice to go down there and see guys from other bases. It was an outstanding competition," said Tech. Sgt. Donald Topper, a member of the 375th CES team. "(It was) a chance to show off the talent at our base, and check out the training other people have." 

The rodeo is a chance for electrical systems craftsmen Air Force and Defense Department-wide to demonstrate their skills and speed in various tasks associated with their career field. More than seven teams competed in the tournament. 

The rodeo included contests such as installing equipotential ground sets, changing out single insulators, egg climb, construct collar rope and hurt-man rescue, which involved a timed climb and proper recovery of a hanging 200-pound dummy. 

Plaques for the instructors were given to the teams who scored either first or second place in their categories. Trophies were awarded both for highest team score and highest cumulative individual scores. Scoring was determined by civilian and military instructors from the 366th's electrical flight. 

"Scott Air Force Base earned 694 points as a team. Sheppard, when you add up all the individual scores, earned 696 points," said Aaron Jackson, an instructor with the 366th TRS. "So they each earned trophies." 

Mr. Jackson said all the competitors did better than expected, especially with the hot weather. 

"We thought the 90-degree weather would be a hindrance, but everyone performed superbly," he said. 

The 375th CES took first place in the hurt-man rescue, second place in installing equipotential ground sets, and second place in constructing collar ropes. The 375th CES is the reigning champion, taking home the trophy for best overall score for the past two years. 

"I'm very proud of my team; a lot of us are deployed, so some of our team wasn't here," Sergeant Topper said. 

The trophy was presented to the 375th CES by Maj. Gen. Dean Fox, Air Force Civil Engineer, from the Pentagon.
 
"I was extremely impressed to meet General Fox and receive our trophy from him," Sergeant Topper said.