Air Show looms: Miramar SAF prepares

Photo By Cpl. Christopher Johns | Jose Maldonado, the lead instructor for Security Augmentation Forces training with Provost Marshal’s Office and a Houston native, gives a class on the barriers to communication to the newest cycle of SAF aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Sept. 24. Maldonado and his team of instructors will train these Marines over the next two weeks to stand beside the military police and enforce the rules and regulations of the installation during the 2012 MCAS Miramar Air Show.  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, CA, UNITED STATES

09.24.2012

Story by Lance Cpl. Christopher Johns 

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. – With Marine Corps Air Station Miramar’s Air Show in just a few weeks, the air station is busy creating the safety measures for thousands of people to come aboard and witness one of the largest military aerial displays in the country.

Along with the military and civilian police officers who work aboard the air station a force of Marines train throughout the year to provide extra security for the base – the Security Augmentation Forces.

“The primary mission of SAF is to assist the installation law enforcement in enforcing the Uniformed Code of Military Justice,” explained Jose Maldonado, the lead instructor for SAF training with the Provost Marshal’s Office and a Houston native. “Whether it’s searching people or vehicles for weapons at the entrances or working the crowds at the flight line to ensure people’s safety, you’re there to assist PMO and protect this installation.”

The newest cycle of SAF training started with classes in the Reserve Support Unit Auditorium, Sept. 24 as Maldonado and his team of instructors explain the functions of the force.

While protecting the installation is a primary function of SAF Marines, they are also required to perform another duty.

“Our job involves being courteous to others and trying to avoid conflict when it can be,” said Lance Cpl. Blake Barrett, an air traffic controller with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron and an Ellensburg, Wash., native.

All SAF members qualify with the M9 service pistol, the M1014 Joint Service Combat Shotgun and OC spray for any safety issues that may arise during the event.

“The OC spray is going to suck, but it’s a certificate I [will] have that not too many of my peers do,” said Barrett.

After orientation classes and lunch, future SAF Marines were briefed on use-of-force in the line of duty. This two week course will allow this select group of Marines to stand next to the military police between harm and the citizens of San Diego as well as their brother and sister warriors during the Miramar air show.

• Date Taken: 09.24.2012
• Date Posted: 09.26.2012 14:58
• Story ID: 95322
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, CA, US
• Hometown: ELLENSBURG, WA, US
• Hometown: HOUSTON, TX, US
• Hometown: JACKSON, MI, US
• Hometown: SAN DIEGO, CA, US