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Released: May 2, 2003

Army completes Team Ellsworth

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. (ACCNS) -- For the past two and a half months, Army National Guard soldiers from the 665th Maintenance Company have worked side by side with the 28th Security Forces Squadron, and according to the Guard's top enlisted man and Ellsworth's "top cop," the venture has been successful.

Eighty-one soldiers from the unit based in Mitchell, S.D., began an initial yearlong tour at Ellsworth Feb. 17. Since then, they've completely integrated into the security forces squadron. They've pulled duty everywhere from the base's gates to the combat arms range and mission control center.

"Who would've thought you'd have seen the Army providing force protection on an Air Force base," said Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. A. Frank Lever, III. "It's a significant stride for our military's total force concept."

With the deployment of many members of the 28th SFS, the 665th MC has comprised almost half of the base's security personnel, and the transition has been near seamless.

"It's been easier than we anticipated on both sides," said Maj. Gregory Reese, the 28th SFS commander. "The only way you can tell if they're Army or Air Force is by the color of the thread on their name tape and by what weapon they're carrying."

According to Major Reese, the soldiers have eased the burden on the base's security forces and enabled the squadron to perform their mission both at home and abroad.

"We've been able to return to full service, eight-hour shifts and to train and keep people current in critical areas," Major Reese said. "Without them, we wouldn't have been able to maintain our garrison mission, our deployed mission and keep up with the training for future missions.

"The soldiers approached this opportunity with a 'can do' attitude and our guys have treated each of them as one of our own -- and it's paid off," he said.

While Ellsworth has benefited from the service of the soldiers, the Army National Guard also figures to profit from the integration of the services.

"The Air Force has done a terrific job with our soldiers," said Sergeant Major Lever. "There are things about the Air Force they never would've had a chance to experience. They'll return to us better soldiers and this will affect our retention. The soldiers who were treated right will come back to us."

Ellsworth's recent quarterly awards breakfast recognized the Army soldier and NCO of the quarter. The ceremony marked the first time soldiers were officially recognized for their successful support of Ellsworth's mission. The soldiers will continue to be a part of the base's force protection effort for the near future.

"They've far exceeded our expectations," Major Reese said. "They've made life easier for every member of the security forces squadron, and in turn, made life easier for every member of this base."