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Security Forces watch base throughout night

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Patrick Harrower
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Maintaining the security of a base and the zone around it is no easy task. It takes a multitude of personnel to keep watch over Travis 24 hours a day and for some Airmen in the 60th Security Forces Squadron, their day doesn't even start until Retreat plays on base.

"The enemy doesn't have a schedule," said Staff Sgt. Moises Gallardo, 60th SFS member. "We never know when something is going to happen and when the time to act is going to happen. For this reason, we remain vigilant throughout the night."

Airmen in the 60th SFS are charged with an important task that other Travis Airmen working during the days don't see. They keep a vigilant watch over the base no matter what time it is.

"I don't mind working the late hours," said Airman 1st Class Thomas Maner, 60th SFS member. "Not only are we out and about on the base in case something happens, but our presence is also a strong deterrence to prevent crime in the first place."

Security Forces personnel don't just check IDs at the front gate all night. They do patrols through base housing, guard the aircraft on the flightline and handle any special deliveries that arrive through the night, Maner said.

"When we get a truck bringing anything to the delivery gate in the middle of the night, we treat it the same as if it was during daytime," he said. "That way, if our adversaries were to be watching us, they would see no inconsistency."

Being able to work the night shift also affords opportunities that would be more difficult on dayshift.

"I like that it gives me time physically go to school and further my education," Gallardo said. "I also get to spend more time with my family because I'm home during the day."

For some, those opportunities can enhance their career and make them better Airmen all around.

"I am new to this squadron and this base," said Senior Airman Danielle Reeves, 60th SFS member. "Being on a night shift helps me to learn how we do things here faster so I can contribute more, sooner. I can focus on the mission without some of the distractions that may happen during the dayshift."

Being able to spend time with their family or attend school, allows the Airmen to focus on the security of the base, Gallardo said.

"The security of our assets is essential," he said. "It's our number one priority."