Airmen train, defend US, Korean assets

Photo By Senior Master Sgt. Sara Keller | An airman acting as opposing forces takes cover before heading toward the 51st Fighter Wing’s headquarters building during the last simulated ground attack during operation readiness exercise Beverly Bulldog 13-02 at Osan Air Base, South Korea, Feb. 15, 2013. These exercises test Osan airmen’s abilities during a heightened state of readiness while providing combat ready forces for close air support, air strike control, counter air, interdiction, theater airlift, and communications in the defense of South Korea. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Sara Csurilla)  

OSAN AIR BASE, BUSAN GWANG'YEOGSI [PUSAN-KWANGYOKSHI], SOUTH KOREA

02.15.2013

Story by Staff Sgt. Sara Keller 

51st Fighter Wing

OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea - "We exist to defend the base - in armistice and in war," said Master Sgt. Ernest Calbillo, 51st Security Force Air Base Defense operations and intelligence noncommissioned officer in charge.

Airmen from the 51st SFS demonstrated their ability to do this during the last counter surveillance scenario, or ground attack, during operation readiness exercise Beverly Bulldog 13-02 at Osan Feb. 15, 2013.

With nearly 20 people acting as opposing forces trying to sneak up and attack the 51st Fighter Wing's headquarters building, security forces airmen fought them off, one simulated grenade at a time.

"Exercises provide security forces with the ability to apply their air base defense training," Calbillo said. "It lets us practice our tactics and procedures, and hone troop leading skills. In a real-world scenario, we may not receive any significant warning and must be ready at all times. We must do everything - physically, mentally, and emotionally - to ready ourselves today for the worst case."

The mission of the 51 SFS is to maintain a secure environment from which to generate combat power, and exercise like BB 13-02 helps condition the airmen of the 51st SFS for anything that might come their way.

"They work long hours in harsh conditions, 24 hours, seven days a week, yet remain highly motivated," Calbillo said. "This is who we are and what we do. We are the Air Force's shield. We willingly stand between the enemy and our base population so others can generate combat power."

• Date Taken: 02.15.2013
• Date Posted: 02.20.2013 20:40
• Story ID: 102293
• Location: OSAN AIR BASE, BUSAN GWANG'YEOGSI [PUSAN-KWANGYOKSHI], KR