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Security forces return from Iraq deployment

  • Published
  • By Tarsha Storey
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Thirty-one 20th Security Forces members returned Saturday after a six-month deployment to Ali and Balad Air Bases, Iraq.

While deployed, the two teams performed normal security forces duties similar to those at home such as patrol duty, flightline and gate security. Out-of-the ordinary duties included conducting perimeter security and community outreach programs.

At a deployed location, Army personnel typically provide perimeter security for the air bases, but at Ali AB, this was the responsibility of security forces, said Tech. Sgt. Richard Rednour, 20th SFS.

The first team was originally deployed to Karshi-Kanabad AB in Southwest Asia, but was relocated to Balad AB. While in Iraq, they worked directly for the Army, responding to direct fire attacks on the base, conducting random anti-terrorism measures for the base and searching third country nationals for weapons, drugs or any other contraband, said Tech. Sgt. Mark Catania, 20th SFS.

The team who deployed to Ali AB faced different challenges. In addition to their traditional security, they patrolled outside the base perimeter searching for munitions and defending the base, Sgt. Rednour said.

Because of the external patrols and the Operation Outreach program in which members of the second team were able to get to know the Iraqi people and provide them with clothes, food and candy. This also gave the Iraqis a chance to let SFS members know about any suspicious activity in the area that could potentially affect the base or the mission, Sgt. Rednour said.

"(This deployment) gave us, as security forces, the chance to perform the things we're trained to do as well as learn new skills," Sgt. Rednour said.

Prior to deployments, both teams attended Security Forces' Expeditionary Readiness Training to prepare them for what they may face in a deployed location, Maj. Suydam said.

"The training (we) received prior to deployment ... gave us 75 percent of what was going on in the Central Command area of responsibility. Once at the deployed location, we received the local intelligence and tactics, techniques and procedures of the threats in the area. It is difficult to know how you will act during stressful situations, but the training we received prior and during the deployment helped bring us home," said Sgt. Catania.

After six months of fighting in the Global War on Terror, the 20th SFS members were welcomed home with open arms from their family, friends and fellow Airmen.

Even though there were two teams deployed to support the Air Force mission in Iraq, there is a third team that plays a part in supporting Shaw's expeditionary mission -- the 20th SFS personnel and augmentees who are still here at Shaw. Because of the high number of deployed personnel, they had to do additional tasks to make up for the decreased manning, Maj. Suydam said.

"I'm proud of the teams in many ways," Maj. Suydam said. "They performed very important missions, protected their base, took care of each other and they came home safely. I'm also grateful for the sacrifices of their families and fellow Airmen back here at Shaw."