Fly away security: Have weapons, will travel

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Andria J. Allmond
  • 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq --  Comprising a specially selected group of 15 Airmen, the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron fly-away security unit faces conditions much different from most of their colleagues.

Rolling out in groups of two or three on C-130 Hercules aircraft, the FAS teams conduct their one-of-a-kind mission to provide security for the aircraft and crews of the 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron.

"We supply security for the aircraft itself, as well as provide security for the crew and everybody on there," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Amor of the 332nd ESFS. "Without the crew, the resource wouldn't be able to take off."

Each team of cops is tasked to provide either flight-deck denial or ground security.

Flight-deck denial missions coincide with the transfer of distinguished visitors and personnel under control. The locked-and-loaded law enforcers are responsible for ensuring no unauthorized individuals enter the flight deck of the aircraft.

The Airmen post themselves strategically inside the aircraft, while maintaining communication with one another during flight to maintain vigilance over the passengers, said Staff Sgt. Rafeal Strother, a FAS team leader deployed from Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.

"We're the blocking force between any hostile threat that has made it on the aircraft," said the six-foot sergeant, who weighs nearly 250 pounds when fully armed. "No one approaches the flight deck without prior approval from the aircraft commander."

The ground security mission differs from the FDD tasking.

When the plane is slated to land in areas considered unsecure by Air Mobility Division, the duo or trio provides protection while it's on the ground. Their destinations include approximately 10 locations within the U.S. Central Command area of operations.

Scanning the surrounding area for immediate threats, the Airmen conduct airfield security assessments while denying unauthorized entry into the aircraft.

"If the crew notices something out of the ordinary or something seems off, we investigate," said Sergeant Strother, a native of Shawsville, Va. "And if it poses a hostile threat or hostile fire is received, we engage."

Knowing their tail is covered allows the aircrew to conduct their mission more effectively.

"Having the fly-away security team on board definitely makes it easier when at some austere environments (where) a person wouldn't want to stay the night," said Capt. Brent Beck, C-130 pilot and aircraft commander. "We've had to do that before. We've broken down in places where we've needed to have the FAST work overnight. It definitely makes (the aircrew's) job easier because aircraft security is one thing you have to worry about."

Security isn't the only way the FAS teams contribute; when the mission allows, the security forces members also lend their muscle to helping the crew with miscellaneous tasks.

"They do an excellent job of helping out the loadmasters in the back, reconfiguring the airplane and keeping it clean," said Captain Beck.

And when they come back, they know they need to be ready for another flight soon.

"These guys work their backsides off," said Tech. Sgt. Heather Huckins, FAS coordinator. "There are times they have had to be ready to be out to the aircraft within 15 minutes of being notified. They don't break deadline."

Always on standby to defend the aircraft crew and resources against hostile forces, the team members understand and accept the inherent threat of flying into potentially unsafe areas.

"We came into this career field knowing that we may have to put ourselves in harm's way to protect others," said Sergeant Strother. "That's essentially what we're here for. Our motto is Defensor Fortis -- Defender of the Force. We know taking on the responsibility of securing the plane, there may come a time when we have to put our lives on the line. But, it's part of the job and we gladly accept it."