Arctic warriors provide outside-the-wire security in Iraq

Photo By Master Sgt. Andrew Lee | Tech Sgt. Jacob Fontenot, slowly moves behind cover during a training exercise with the Tactical Security Element, Feb. 25, at Ali Air Base, Iraq.  

ALI AIR BASE, IRAQ

03.03.2011

Story by Staff Sgt. Richard Longoria 

U.S. Air Forces Central, Baghdad Media Outreach Team

ALI AIR BASE, Iraq - Defenders deployed from the 673rd Security Force Squadron at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, are no strangers to extreme temperatures. However, the fridge climate and frozen tundra they know and love are completely opposite to the weather they have experienced during more than 120 outside-the-wire missions in the Iraqi desert.

Assigned to the 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Flight, the 15 arctic warriors provide armed security for other units while they conduct weekly force protection operations near Ali Air Base, Iraq.

“We safeguard personnel when they go outside the base boundaries,” said Master Sgt. Eric Malone, 407th EFSS and Park Forest, Ill., native. “We are the eyes, ears and firepower for them when they are out working in the villages. Our job is to get them there safely and bring them back safely as well.”

The team has done this five times a week for the past five months.

“It’s overwhelming but very exciting,” said Airman 1st Class Kevin Freeman, 407th ESFF and Fillmore, Calif., native. “Without us, lives would be lost, so it is important that we make sure nothing happens.”

The team’s mission is extremely critical. Murals listing the names of service members that have paid the ultimate sacrifice are painted around the base and serve as a daily reminder.

“In the past, our forces have unfortunately lost lives here,” Malone said. “That’s why it is so important that we provide a safe environment for them to conduct their business.”

With the ability to safely gather important information, commanders are provided with reports that allow them to increase the protection of coalition forces on the base.

“We don’t get to see the direct results of the missions but the teams we protect always let us know it couldn’t happen without our help,” said Airman 1st Class Stephen M. Austin, 407th ESFF and San Antonio, Texas, native. “It feels good knowing that we play a role in denying the threat outside the gate.”

Every single mission has been unique, and each time the team was ready.

“It’s a dynamic mission,” Malone said. “Every time we go out, it’s different, but time and time again, the team has stepped up to the challenge and done a really great job.”

Constantly running missions does not leave the team with time to do much else. However, they still take the time to practice and hone their skills.

“We train once a week to make sure everyone is up to speed on all of the proper procedures,” Austin said. “We prepare for things that don’t normally happen in hopes that they never do.”

To stay proficient and prepared for the unexpected, the team runs through situations that may arise on actual missions.

“We go through mock villages and run through different scenarios to keep us sharp,” Malone said. “Working with these other units here has been outstanding.”

The team’s success comes as no surprise. They were individually selected for this deployment based on various attributes by their squadron leadership.

“Knowing how dangerous this mission can be, the team was carefully handpicked because of their mentally and physical readiness,” Malone said. “The mission and the team have been great. I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

• Date Taken: 03.03.2011
• Date Posted: 03.03.2011 11:21
• Story ID: 66410
• Location: ALI AIR BASE, IQ