BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - Senior Airman Dana Barnes, an Airman with the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, recently deployed from the 4th SFS, Seymour-Johnson Air Force Base, N.C.
Barnes, a San Diego native, deployed to work with an elite group of security forces Airmen with the 455th ESFS, a quick reaction team known as the “Reapers.”
Several times a week, Barnes and members of her team travel outside the wire to deter terrorist activity and build working relationships with the local populace.
“Our mission is to defend the airfield outside the wire through early detection, deterrence, response, reconnaissance and counter insurgency,” said Master Sgt. Troy Taylor, NCO in charge for the Reapers. “To complete these missions, Reaper teams are comprised of dismounted patrol members, counter sniper teams and surveillance teams that have access to unmanned air assets.”
As a member of the Reaper team, it’s Barne’s responsibility to maintain her health and skills and keep others sharp to be able to perform all missions and duties that the team may encounter.
As a Reaper, airmen on the team have many responsibilities, but certain parts of their mission are what really make them enjoy their job everyday.
“My favorite part about this deployment is that we get to do something different as a security forces member and go outside the wire,” said Barnes. “I love interacting with the children and letting them know, and see, that we’re here to help them out and we’re good people.”
This is Barne’s second deployment and she has been serving in the U.S. Air Force for four years.