48th SFS tested during Combat Olympics

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kristopher Levasseur
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Muscular strength. Endurance. Aerobic fitness. Intellect.

These were the attributes tested during the 48th Security Forces Squadron Combat Olympics competition held March 11 at the Lakenheath High School football field.

According to Chief Master Sgt. Robert Henson, 48th SFS manager, security forces is not an easy job, so unit leadership create challenging ways to get their Airmen prepared for any mission.

48th SFS personnel were given a seven days notice to build their four-person team, but were not told what the events would be.

According to Chief Henson, the events were not traditional Olympic events, but more closely resembled challenges from the World's Strongest Man competition.

The event consisted of a relay race, HMMWV push, mannequin drag, chain carry, tire flip and a 2-mile buddy run.

"The HMMWV push appeared to be the most daunting task," said Chief Henson. "The vehicle weighs about 6,000 pounds and pushing it over a muddy and grassy area proved to be very tough."

The Combat Olympics were designed to mimic potential situations Airmen can find themselves in when deployed.

"These events truly tested everyone's muscular strength and endurance, which may be needed when carrying a fallen Airman in battle, moving needed supplies or pushing an attacked vehicle out of the roadway," said Chief Henson.

Maj. John Northon, Capt. Greg Bodenstein, 1st Lt. Robbin Riester and 1st Lt. Jason Stack earned top honors for this competition. The second place team was Senior Master Sgt. Steve Shelley, Master Sgt. Jackie Cruse, Staff Sgt. Peter Stein and Staff Sgt. Albert Castillo.

"I thought this event was phenomenal," said Staff Sgt. Alberto Castillo, 48th SFS NCO in charge of provost services. "It was a great way to test out our strength and endurance."