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The Rodeo competition was renamed Airlift Rodeo beginning in
1987 by the MAC commander General Duane Cassidy in an effort
to more accurately reflect the purpose of the event. The
roles of the maintenance, Security Police, and Combat
Control teams also expanded in 1987. The latter two
participated in overland infiltration event using
Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System
(MILES) gear help to create realism, and the Combat Control
teams conducted
High Altitude-Low Opening (HALO) jumps and
established drop zones. Additionally, comedian
Bob Hope performed at Rodeo, filming a two-hour
program for his 84th birthday. President
Ronald Regan and
Secretary of the Air Force
Edward Aldridge Jr. were also on hand for Bob
Hope’s performance.
No Rodeo was held in 1988 because of budget constraints.
However, the Rodeo returned in 1989. This Rodeo was the
first to showcase the airdrop capability of the
C-5 Galaxy. The C-5 set a world record by
dropping four
M551 Sheridan light tanks and 73 paratroopers
from the
82nd Airborne Division totaling 190,346 pounds.
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