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Delta Company, 189th DSSB Takes Top Honors in Week-Long Competition

FORT BRAGG, N.C. – The 82nd Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade hosted the 75th anniversary of the Army’s Parachute Rigger Rodeo from October 20-24, 2025, bringing together the military specialists responsible for ensuring the safety of airborne operations at America’s premier power projection platform.

The biannual competition celebrated seven decades of parachute rigger excellence, dating back to 1950 when the Army designated the Quartermaster Corps as the proponent for aerial delivery operations. Four teams from across the Army competed in the week-long event that tested both technical skills and physical endurance at various locations across the installation.

“This marks our 75th anniversary for Parachute Riggers in the U.S. Army,” said Chief Warrant Officer 5 Crystal Gonzalez, senior airdrop advisor to the XVIII Airborne Corps. “It’s a milestone spanning the breadth of the modern Army.”

The competition began with a Red Hat Run down Ardennes Street led by Brig. Gen. Peter L. Gilbert, commander of the 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, and Col. Jonathan Gregory, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade. Events progressed to technical challenges in the Parachute Issue Facility, where teams demonstrated their proficiency in packing MC-6, T-11, and T-11 Reserve parachutes.

“This is more or less a team-building event that’s going to build camaraderie,” said Sgt. Maj. Kevin Beatty, XVIII Airborne Corps Parachute Office Sergeant Major. “It shows they’re willing to compete among their peers and prove they’re proficient in their craft.”

The competition included an airborne operation from Green Ramp into St. Mere Drop Zone, followed by container delivery system building at the Heavy Drop Rigging Site. Physical challenges included an Army Fitness Test at Hercules Field and a technical “Rigger Board” examination.

After intensive scoring, Delta Company, 189th Division Sustainment Support Battalion emerged victorious, followed by the 75th Ranger Regiment and Echo Company, 189th DSSB. The week culminated with the traditional Rigger Ball at the Iron Mike Conference Center.

“It took effort from every member,” said Staff Sgt. Luiz Lopez, Delta Company’s team captain. “At Delta, we focus mostly on personnel parachutes, but in just a few weeks, my team learned the full range of aerial delivery tasks.”

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