Detachment 2, 544th Intelligence Group "sails" in Aussie regatta Published Nov. 14, 2008 By Master Sgt. Jim Aicher Det. 2, 544th Intelligence Group PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Have you ever wondered what it would be like to compete in an international sailing competition? Members of Det. 2, 544th Intelligence Group, Alice Springs, Australia, recently had the opportunity. Well, sort of... The group recently participated in the 47th annual Henley-on-Todd Regatta, a day-long festival, held on the bed of the Todd River. The river, which is normally dry, runs through the heart of Alice Springs and provided the backdrop for a series of events that included challenges such as the Bath Tub Derby, Boogie Board, White Water Kayak, Four-Man Rowing, and Sand skiing, just to name a few. Det. 2's regatta team consisted of Maj. Mark Bass, detachment commander; Master Sgt. Jim Aicher, detachment superintendent; Tech. Sgt. Tom Towers, non-commissioned officer in charge ,Joint Medical Readiness; and Tech. Sgt. James Howey, senior weapons systems analyst. The event was preceded by a parade through downtown Alice Springs that featured a myriad of local "boats." Since proceeds from the Henley-on-Todd Regatta benefit local charities, various businesses and organizations take great pride in constructing sleek and aerodynamic crafts for competition - and bragging rights. Racing began immediately following the parade. The Air Force team participated in four events and took first place in three of its four time trials. These initial victories, though, were not without drama. In the preliminary heat of the Boogie Board race, which involved a four-person team pulling a boogie board rider 50 yards down the river bed, around a barrel, and back to the starting line, the Air Force team nearly lost its rider. Julia Bass, daughter of Major Bass, held on with an impressive grip, despite being dragged behind her board for the last 30 feet! Even though the regatta took place in a dry river bed, there was plenty of water involved in the day's events. In the Bath Tub Derby, a four-person team carried a bathtub with a rider along the same course as the Boogie Board race; however, when turning the barrel at the halfway point, the contents of a bucket of water were dumped into the tub. Jordan Towers, son of Sergeant Towers, was on the receiving end of this soaking. It also rained off and on during the course of the afternoon, making this the only boat race in the world almost cancelled due to water in the river. Despite dominating the preliminary heats, overall first place was not guaranteed for Det. 2. The finals proved more challenging, but with a crowd of thousands cheering them on, the Air Force team steered their vessels through shifting sands to capture one gold and two silver medals. More importantly, Det. 2 finished ahead of the U.S. Navy detachment in their only head-to-head matchup in the Four-Man Rowing event. Coming on the heels of the Beijing Olympics, the spirit of competition was in the air and all participants proudly displayed their hard-earned prizes. The Australia Cup yacht race was the final race of the day. American and Australian teams faced off in what proved to be the closest finish in many years. In the end, the Australian team inched ahead of their American counterparts and captured the coveted cup. The Henley-on-Todd Regatta culminated in the battle-of-the-boats where Vikings, Buccaneers, and Navy teams pitted their water and sand cannons against each other and clashed for control of the river. Perhaps due to their shameless working of the crowd, or simply because of their flamboyant costumes, the Vikings once again reigned supreme in the world's only dry river boat race. Alice Springs offers an Australian small-town atmosphere that allows individuals to enjoy unique cultural events, such as the Henley-on-Todd Regatta. An assignment to Alice Springs is unlike any other in the Air Force as it brings the unique Outback lifestyle together with American culture and an outstanding mission. lN2s, lN4s and lN5s in the grades of E-4 through E-6 interested in assignment opportunities in Alice Springs should contact Master Sgt. Floyd Easley, Air Force ISR Agency/A3TF, 210-977-2776, DSN 969- 2776 or floyd.easley@lackland.af.mil.