Altus Air Force Base

Altus Air Force Base

An athlete rides his bike during a sprint triathlon at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 22, 2026. After completing the 20- kilometer cycling portion, competitors transitioned to the final 5- kilometer run. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jonah Bliss)

Altus Airmen compete in sprint triathlon

Senior Airman Jonah Bliss
US Air Force senior leaders engage with Airmen at Mobility’s Hometown

US Air Force senior leaders engage with Airmen at Mobility’s Hometown

An athlete rides his bike during a sprint triathlon at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 22, 2026. The triathlon gave participants an opportunity to test their physical fitness outside of traditional fitness activities while competing alongside fellow members of the installation community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jonah Bliss)

An athlete rides his bike during a sprint triathlon at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 22, 2026. Following the swim, competitors completed a 20-kilometer cycling course before moving on to the final leg of the triathlon. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jonah Bliss)

An athlete crosses the finish line during a sprint triathlon at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 22, 2026. Participants who completed the event were recognized for their achievement with a commemorative belt buckle. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jonah Bliss)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Meara McCarthy runs during a sprint triathlon at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 22, 2026. The event reflected the installation’s emphasis on fitness as a component of readiness and quality of life. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jonah Bliss)

Athletes run during a sprint triathlon at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 22, 2026. Competitors completed the final five kilometers of the event after swimming and cycling. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jonah Bliss)

An athlete rides his bike during a sprint triathlon at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 22, 2026. After completing the 20- kilometer cycling portion, competitors transitioned to the final 5- kilometer run. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jonah Bliss)

An athlete rides his bike during a sprint triathlon at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 22, 2026. The event was part of the 97th Force Support Squadron’s effort to foster a culture of fitness and morale across Altus AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jonah Bliss)

An athlete swims during a sprint triathlon at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 22, 2026. The event encouraged participants to pursue personal fitness goals while building camaraderie across the installation community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jonah Bliss)

An athlete listens to swim instructions during a sprint triathlon at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 22, 2026. The swim portion set the pace for competitors before they transitioned to the cycling and running portions of the event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jonah Bliss)

Athletes swim during a sprint triathlon at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 22, 2026. Participants began the competition with a 750-meter swim as part of the three-stage event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jonah Bliss)

Athletes prepare their bikes before competing in a sprint triathlon at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 22, 2026. Hosted by the 97th Force Support Squadron, the event provided an opportunity for members of the Altus AFB community to challenge themselves through physical fitness and friendly competition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jonah Bliss)

Athletes prepare their gear before competing in a sprint triathlon at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 22, 2026. The event brought together approximately 60 participants for a 750-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike ride and 5-kilometer run. (Courtesy photo by Haylee Bliss)

U.S. Air Force Col. Richard Kind, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander, salutes the U.S. flag during the National Anthem at the rodeo grounds in Altus, Oklahoma, Aug. 20, 2026. Military Appreciation Night held at the rodeo follows the annual Altus Air Force Base Cattle Drive. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Elijah Likowski)

Teen rodeo royalty from Altus, Oklahoma lead the 28th Annual Cattle Drive at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 20, 2026. The Cattle Drive occurs on opening day of the local rodeo to bring the base and community together over their shared legacy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kari Degraffenreed)

Judith Watkins, wife of the late Gary ‘Bull’ Watkins, leans on Randy Braker, a family friend, during the 28th Annual Cattle Drive at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 20, 2026. Braker rode next to Bull Watkins’ horse with yellow roses attached to the saddle to honor the rancher who long helped run the Cattle Drive at Altus AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kari Degraffenreed)

Randy Braker, local rancher, rides alongside the late Gary ‘Bull’ Watkins horse, affixed with yellow roses on the saddle to honor him during the 28th Annual Cattle Drive at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 20, 2026. Watkins provided the horses and saddles for the command team and additional commanders for many years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kari Degraffenreed)

The 97th Air Mobility Wing command team rides in the 28th Annual Cattle Drive at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 20, 2026. Altus AFB has hosted the Cattle Drive since 1999. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kari Degraffenreed)

The 97th Air Mobility Wing command team rides in the 28th Annual Cattle Drive at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 20, 2026. Beyond celebrating the region's ranching heritage, the event highlights the enduring partnership between the base and the surrounding southwest Oklahoma community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jonah Bliss)

Col. Richard Kind, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander, right, Col. Joshua Moores, 97th AMW deputy commander, center, and Chief Master Sgt. Jonny Adams, 97th AMW command chief, pose for a photo during the annual Cattle Drive at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 20, 2026. The annual tradition celebrates the installation’s connection with the city of Altus and the local community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathan Langston)

Col. Richard Kind, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander, rides a horse toward the main gate during the annual Cattle Drive at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 20, 2026. Kind joined other base leaders and community members in the event, which highlights the longstanding relationship between Altus AFB and the surrounding community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathan Langston)

Cattle pass an installation water tower during the annual Cattle Drive at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 20, 2026. The tradition brings base and community members together to celebrate the shared heritage of Altus and Altus AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathan Langston)

Cattle travel along a roadway during the annual Cattle Drive at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 20, 2026. The event recognizes the history and community ties shared by the city of Altus and Altus AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathan Langston)

Col. Richard Kind, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander, right, and Chief Master Sgt. Jonny Adams, 97th AMW command chief, sit on horseback during the annual Cattle Drive at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 20, 2026. The event, hosted in partnership with the local community, celebrates the shared history and longstanding relationship between the city of Altus and Altus AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathan Langston)

Mei-Ling C. Taylor, deputy director and chief of staff for Defense Health Network Central, left, coins Tiffany Gibbs, Altus clinic resource management office resource advisor, at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, July 30, 2026. As the resource advisor, Gibbs manages unit finances, tracks budgets, and acts as a financial liaison. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jonah Bliss)

Mei-Ling C. Taylor, deputy director and chief of staff for Defense Health Network Central, listens to members of the Altus military medical treatment facility resource management office during a tour at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, July 30, 2026. Taylor’s main goal during the visit was to partner with the MTF to empower their staff, optimize daily operations, and ensure they have the resources needed to deliver the highest quality care to service members and their families while maximizing medical readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jonah Bliss)

Mei-Ling C. Taylor, deputy director and chief of staff for Defense Health Network Central, right, listens to members of the Altus military medical treatment facility Flight Clinic during a tour at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, July 30, 2026. The Flight Clinic oversees providing primary care to all military members at Altus AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jonah Bliss)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Luke Hodgen, 97th Operations Support Squadron air traffic control apprentice, monitors an aircraft taking off at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 4, 2026. Hodgen sequenced arrivals and departures so aircraft remained safely separated. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Emma Wright)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Luke Hodgen, 97th Operations Support Squadron air traffic control apprentice, clears an aircraft for takeoff at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 4, 2026. During a hands-on immersion tour, the 97th Air Mobility Wing command team had the opportunity to see air traffic controllers in action. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Emma Wright)