Broadening skills in Alaska

While providing round-the-clock security during Exercise Red Flag Alaska 21-3, No. 3 Security Forces Squadron personnel also undertook training aimed at enhancing and broadening their skill set in the deployed environment.

CAPTION: Leading Aircraftman Paul Taylor supervises Aircraftwoman Milena Frolova from No. 3 Security Forces while marshalling an F-35A Lightning II from No. 3 Squadron at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, United States. Story and photo by Flying Officer Bronwyn Marchant.

The personnel deployed to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, in August to provide aircraft and facilities security for the flying squadrons participating in the exercise.

Officer-in-charge of the deployed security detachment, Sergeant Heath Webber, said the exercise provided outstanding training opportunities for the personnel, who gained useful insight into how their United States Air Force counterparts operated.

“During Exercise Red Flag Alaska, our security detachment’s main role was to provide security effects to the deployable mission planning facilities used by Royal Australian Air Force crews and aircraft,” Sergeant Webber said.

“Security effects were achieved by establishing an entry control point to positively identify personnel entering the mission planning facilities, as well as conducting patrolling and aircraft movement escorts.

“We were fortunate enough to be able to integrate with the United States Air Force 354th Security Forces Squadron to develop a deeper understanding and awareness of each other’s training, techniques and practices.

“This included exposure to their facilities and training areas, as well as engaging in tactical training and aircraft fire fighting and equipment training.”

Personnel from No. 3 Security Forces Squadron were afforded the opportunity to participate in the marshalling of F-35A Lightning II aircraft returning from flight at Eielson Air Force Base, under the instruction and supervision of aircraft technicians from No. 3 Squadron.

Sergeant Webber said being able to conduct varying duties with other elements during Exercise Red Flag Alaska resulted in a more cohesive workforce and exposed the teams to the diversity and varying career pathways that Air Force had to offer.

“I’m extremely proud of the high level of competence and professionalism demonstrated by the security forces aviators throughout Exercise Red Flag Alaska,” Sergeant Webber said.

“This exercise enabled our personnel to apply their training and to adapt and overcome obstacles to achieve mission success.

“The opportunity for security forces personnel to actively deploy overseas solidifies the quality of training conducted at home units, while facing new challenges to further develop their abilities.”

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