Pope Air Force Base, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is directly adjacent to Fort Bragg. Together, the two facilities make up one of the largest military installations in the world. Established in 1919, Pope is also one of the oldest fields in the Air Force.

The host unit at Pope Air Force Base is the 43rd Airlift Wing. They work in conjunction with the 23rd Fighter Group and the 18th Air Support Operations Group. The 43d Airlift Wing at Pope AFB provides airlift services to the 82d Airborne Division and Special Ops paratroopers based at Fort Bragg. Missions flown from Pope range from providing airlift and air support for troops to worldwide "missions of mercy."

The International Air Mobility Expeditionary Rodeo

Pope AFB has also hosted the International Air Mobility Expeditionary Rodeo. Rodeo was instituted at Pope AFB in 1962 as a combat skills competition. In 1979, it was opened to international teams. Areas of competition include airdrop, aerial refueling, short-field landings, medical evacuations and related ground operations.

In 2000, more than 80 aircraft arrived at Pope AFB. There were more than 100 teams from 17 countries, and competitors, observers, umpires, and support people numbered approximately 3,500. Rodeo serves a double purpose: to test the air and ground skills of the teams and to develop and increase good will and cooperation among the nations that participate. The event also serves an informal training purpose, as teams observe each other and compare notes.