Keesler master sergeant, Lombard native, manages security forces flight in Southwest Asia

Photo By Master Sgt. Jenifer Calhoun | Master Sgt. Lisa Phillips (left), "Alpha" flight chief with the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, holds a briefing with security forces Airmen in her flight during a night shift, Jan. 24, at a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia. The 380th ESFS is in charge of protecting and providing security for millions of dollars of deployed Air Forces assets and nearly 2,000 deployed personnel. Phillips is a 16-year Air Force veteran deployed from the 81st Security Forces Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. Her hometown is Lombard, Ill.  

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01.27.2010

Story by Senior Airman Jenifer Calhoun 

380th Air Expeditionary Wing

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Master Sgt. Lisa Phillips is the "Alpha" flight chief with the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron at a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia. The 380th ESFS is in charge of protecting and providing security for millions of dollars of deployed Air Forces assets and nearly 2,000 deployed personnel. Phillips is a 16-year Air Force veteran deployed from the 81st Security Forces Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. Her hometown is Lombard, Ill.

Every day Master Sgt. Lisa Phillips reports to the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron for a 12-hour shift, however some days that it easily turns into a 14- to 15-hour shift. No matter how long it takes, the leader of the security forces "Alpha" flight said she and her Airmen are ready 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"We protect and defend every individual and every Air Force asset serving at this location, and in doing that, the mission we are here for will be accomplished every day," said Phillips, who is deployed from the 81st Security Forces Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., to a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia.

As flight chief for the "Alpha" flight, Phillips said she implements plans, programs, and policies set forth by leadership.

"In my job, I have to develop element training programs that ensure proficiency with directives and enforce military and host nation customs and courtesies while at the same time maintaining military order and discipline for 80-plus Airmen," said Phillips, a 16-year Air Force veteran. "It's a job that keeps me busy every day."

Preparing more than 80 security forces Airmen for their duties serving as the frontline defenders for the base is no easy task, Phillips said. Through many points throughout key areas, she makes sure security forces are in the right place to provide the necessary force protection and security required by the installation security plan.

The master sergeant also ensures her Airmen have the latest in "battle rattle" to do their job. This can include the latest in protective armor and combat-ready gear. Security forces also carry a loaded M-4 rifle, and possibly an M-9 pistol, to complete their deployed duties.

"We have Airmen providing security on the flightline, supporting law enforcement efforts and ensuring security all around our encampment," she said. "Air Force security forces are among the best at this and I'm proud to be among them -- leading them."

Phillips said serving in the military has its challenges, particularly for the deployed service member. She said the "sense of service" she sees among all who are deployed speaks a lot about the character of military members and she's glad she's one of them.

"It makes me proud," said Phillips , whose hometown is Lombard, Ill. "Only certain people have the courage, emotional strength and commitment level to be a part of our Air Force or one of our sister services -- even for a short period of time let alone for a career. Not only do our Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines work 70 to 80 hours a week while deployed, they do it across the globe, without complaint, leaving behind parents, spouses and children.

"It's the hardest thing you can ask of a person and yet it becomes the norm for most of us serving," the master sergeant said. "That is the epitome of courage, strength and commitment. You can't help but be extremely proud of being a part of it."

The 380th ESFS is a sub-unit of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing. The 380th AEW is comprised of four groups and 12 squadrons and the wing's deployed mission includes air refueling, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of overseas contingency operations in Southwest Asia. The wing supports Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

• Date Taken: 01.27.2010
• Date Posted: 01.27.2010 22:40
• Story ID: 44528
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)