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Deployed security forces protect Southwest Asia base 24-7

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, Airmen in the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron are charged with security and force protection of more than 1,900 deployed personnel and billions of dollars worth of deployed assets, equipment and aircraft at a non-disclosed base here.

"This is why I joined the Air Force," said Staff Sgt. Matthew James, who serves as a patrolman and a patrol area supervisor with the 380th ESFS. "When you serve in the military, you know you can be deployed at any time and I'm more than proud to serve while deployed here in Southwest Asia.

"I see planes flying off every day for their missions -- that's a sign to me that I've been doing my job keeping them safe and secure," said Sergeant James, who is deployed from the 81st Security Forces Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.

Every day Master Sgt. Lisa Phillips reports to the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron for a 12-hour shift, however some days it easily turns into a 14- to 15-hour shift. No matter how long it takes, the leader of the security forces "Alpha" flight said she and her Airmen are always ready.

"We protect and defend every individual and every Air Force asset serving at this location, and in doing that, the mission we are here for will be accomplished every day," said Sergeant Phillips, who is also deployed from the 81st SFS at Keesler AFB.

As flight chief for the "Alpha" flight, Sergeant Phillips said she implements plans, programs, and policies set forth by leadership.

"In my job, I have to develop element training programs that ensure proficiency with directives and enforce military and host nation customs and courtesies while at the same time maintaining military order and discipline for 80-plus Airmen," said Sergeant Phillips. "It's a job that keeps me busy every day."

Sergeant Phillips helps assign security forces Airmen to their assigned posts and duties every day. It includes assigning patrols, checkpoint duties, security response team roles and a myriad of other requirements. Among the Airmen filling those requirements includes security forces like Staff Sgt. Justin Canada, a security forces craftsman deployed with the 380th ESFS from the 43rd SFS at Pope AFB, N.C.

Sergeant Canada serves on a mobile fire team unit that works directly with host nation security personnel.

"On the mobile fire team, we conduct joint patrols with host nation security forces," said Sergeant Canada. "We patrol areas on the outer perimeter of base to make sure there aren't any deficiencies, things out of place or holes in the wire. We also try to learn about our host nation's cultures and try to win the hearts and minds of our fellow comrades."

For any of the deployed security forces Airmen, a typical day at work for them includes wearing the latest in "battle rattle." This can include the latest in protective armor and combat-ready gear. Additionally, they'll carry a loaded M-4 rifle, and possibly an M-9 pistol, in carrying out their deployed duties.

Additionally, to be a "defender," it takes a high volume of training and the knowledge in weaponry, laws, directives and programs, policies, and procedures governing security forces activities, according to the security forces Air Force career field description. That knowledge further breaks down into being fluent on installation security, anti-terrorism, law enforcement and investigations and air base defense.

"My job not only requires maintaining security of our deployed aircraft, it also requires myself and my fellow security forces to monitor restricted areas and secure the perimeter of the base," said Senior Airman Nolan Spiers, a 380th ESFS security forces journeyman deployed from the 96th SFS at Eglin AFB, Fla.

Staff Sgt. Genevie A. Navarro, a security forces craftsman with the 380th ESFS, added that she takes her deployed duties very seriously.

"I work in the base's vehicle search area," said Sergeant Navarro, who is deployed from 95th SFS at Edwards AFB, Calif. "I thoroughly search vehicles entering U.S. controlled areas from unsecure locations and prevent the introduction of illegal weapons, contraband and explosive devices. I also ensure the prevention of removal of classified material."

For Senior Airman Jacqueline Lawson, a 380th ESFS security forces journeyman also deployed from the 96th SFS at Eglin AFB, Fla., the important thing is that all security forces remain "vigilant."

"While keeping watch, we must stay vigilant at all times," said Airman Lawson. "While on police and security patrols, we maintain a three- to five-minute armed response time to all incidents within our area of responsibility. While staying vigilant, we monitor all avenues of approached into our specified areas."

The Airmen who make up the 380th ESFS do say they are proud to be deployed serving their country's calling to support operations overseas.

"I love it," said Airman 1st Class Johnny J. Hinojosa, 380th ESFS security forces journeyman deployed from the 3rd SFS at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. "Ever since I joined the military, I wanted to make a difference in this world. Being deployed and being a part of an expeditionary operation is my opportunity to make that happen."

Airman 1st Class Joshua Willis, security forces journeyman who is also deployed from the 3rd SFS at Elmendorf AFB, added, "I'm proud to be serving my country whether it's at home or overseas. I know that when I look back on my service, I will value the time I spent in the Air Force and know that my family and friends will be proud of me and my accomplishments."

The 380th ESFS is part of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing. The wing is home to the KC-10 Extender, E-3 Sentry, U-2 Dragonlady and RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft. The 380th AEW is comprised of four groups and 12 squadrons and the wing's deployed mission includes air refueling, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of overseas contingency operations in Southwest Asia. The wing supports operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.