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179th Security Forces squads deploy

  • Published
  • By Technical Sgt. Jessica Hill
  • 179th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
On March 28, 2012, 26 members of the 179th Airlift Wing Security Forces Squadron deployed to Afghanistan for a six-month tour. The two squads, led by Master Sgt. Eric Stephens and Master Sgt. Nelson F. Kilgore Jr., will provide perimeter security at Bagram Airfield. They are replacing fellow Ohio Air National Guard SFS members from the 121st Air Refueling Wing and will be working closely with the Army.

Prior to their deployment to Afghanistan, the 26 Security Forces members completed Combat Skills Training at Fort Bliss, Texas. While there, they learned to operate Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, as well as tactical convoy operations. Additionally, they learned Improvised Explosive Device protection procedures and techniques and took the Army Combat Lifesaver course, which teaches deploying troops the skills necessary to facilitate medical procedures in field conditions.

They will be assigned to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, where more than 3,500 Airmen are currently deployed. The wing's mission is to, "Defend the Base, Supply the Fight and Win!" The wing vision is to provide the International Security Assistance Force with responsive airpower. The 455th AEW is co-located with the Combined Joint Task Force-101 at Bagram Airfield. The mission of CJTF-101 is to conduct a full spectrum of operations to develop Afghan capability to secure its people, exercise capable governance, and develop a sustainable economy while defeating terrorists and insurgents.