The 168th Wing, Alaska Air National Guard, activated the 268th Security Forces Squadron, during a ceremony at Clear Air Force Station, Oct. 4.
The addition of the Air National Guard’s newest squadron helps to clearly define the missions and roles of personnel at Clear AFS. The 268th SFS is now comprised of the law enforcement personnel who were previously assigned to the Air National Guard’s 213th Space Warning Squadron, also based at Clear AFS. The new unit continues the mission of securing the station's surveillance and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and submarine-launched ballistic missiles tracking facilities.
The 268th SFS also maintains the security forces armory and ensures security forces personnel are trained and equipped to perform their mission in a challenging arctic environment. They also provide pass and registration, police reports, crime prevention and other services to personnel assigned to Clear AFS.
Maj. James Williamson assumed command of the squadron during an assumption of command ceremony held immediately after the unit was activated. Col. Jack Evans, commander of the 168th Mission Support Group, was the presiding officer.
“As we add this newest squadron to the Air Force team, I can’t think of a better commander to be the first commander,” Evans said. “Maj. Williamson embodies military professionalism and devotion to mission accomplishment.”
Clear AFS, home to the 213th SWS and now 268th SFS, is a geographically separated unit under the Alaska Air National Guard’s 168th Wing stationed at Eielson Air Force Base, 25 miles southeast of Fairbanks. Clear AFS is 78 miles southwest of Fairbanks.