927 SFS returns from RAF Mildenhall

  • Published
  • By Capt Joe Simms
  • 927 ARW Public Affairs
MacDill AFB, Fla. --  Members of the 927th Security Forces Squadron, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., returned home April 17 after completing their two week annual training requirement at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England.

The 27 person team provided support for the local security forces squadron by performing gate guard duties, patrols and flight line security.

"This is the first chance for many of our reservists to spend their annual training doing something other than a stateside exercise or inspection," said MSgt Walter Dworak. "It's a great opportunity for these Airmen to gain some experience outside of the normal operations at home station."

As a tenant unit at MacDill, the 927 SFS's role at home station is much different than what it would be in a deployed environment.

"This two week deployment allowed us to accomplish much needed training in areas we normally wouldn't be tasked to perform at MacDill," said Senior Master Sergeant James Zuehlke, 927 SFS Operations Superintendent.

"Some of our reservists were able to bring experiences from their civilian careers with them to England while the rest were going on patrols or manning a gate in a real world setting for the first time," he continued.

In addition to the patrols, these defenders tested their skills during unauthorized gate access and flight line intrusion scenarios. A few members even accompanied the local civilian police on ride alongs and responded to calls in the civilian community.

Senior Airman Reginald Randall, a Hillsborough County firefighter, used his time at RAF Mildenhall to prepare for his upcoming deployment.

"This trip was an excellent chance for someone like me who is a firefighter to see the police side of the job and it was important to prepare me for our deployment next year," he said.

Many 927 SFS members have civilian careers as police officers or correctional officers which allow them to utilize their experience while performing their military duties. But for some reservists, the Unit Training Assemblies and annual training requirements are their only chance to hone their skills as a defender as Staff Sergeant Steven Ramirez explains.

"The on the job training we received was great for reservists new to the career field and have no active duty experience. It's a way for them to see the job from the active duty perspective," he said. "It's also a good refresher for those that came to the Reserve from active duty."

The 927th Security Forces Squadron is made up of approximately 60 reservists, the majority of which are scheduled to deploy overseas in early 2015.

Stay up to date with the 927th SFS and the rest of the 927th Airlift Wing at www.927arw.afrc.af.mil and click here to like us on Facebook.