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Spangdahlem airmen support operations in Liberia

USAFE News

Release Date: 8/7/2003

By Capt. Kristi Beckman 398th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs

SIERRA LEONE, Africa (USAFENS) -- Far from the forests and castles of Germany, five security forces airmen from 52nd Security Forces Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, are deployed to the palm trees and jungle canopy of Africa supporting operations in Liberia.

The airmen deployed to Dakar, Senegal July 13 and set up the base for oncoming support.

"We were the first cops in Dakar," said Staff Sgt. Mark Reinecke, deployed security forces leader. "This is out of the ordinary for us, but it's what we train for."

The Spangdahlem members left Dakar July 31 to assist the 786th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron deployed to Lungi, Sierra Leone. The squadron is the force protection headquarters element for the 398th Air Expeditionary Group who are responsible for the evacuation of 60 people and infiltration of 43 Marines to the American Embassy in Liberia.

"It's great being a part of this mission," said Senior Airman Jeffrey Malone, deployed security forces leader. "It's totally different than anything I've ever done. I'm normally a desk sergeant at home, so this is a great change of pace."

Airman 1st Class Matthew Blazewicz, deployed SF leader, said being on this mission makes him feel like he's really part of something significant. "We're playing a big role here in helping out during a world situation."

The airmen provide law enforcement at home for F-16s and A-10s. Here, they guard the HH-60Gs from Naval Air Station, Keflavik, Iceland.

Senior Airman Rickey Pendarvis, deployed security forces leader, said it's not much different guarding the different types of aircraft, but being in Africa, "you're a little more on edge and more aware of your surroundings."

"The threat is higher at a deployed location because you never know what to expect," said Blazewicz.

Working with the 786th ESFS, whose main job is to deploy and set up ground base defense, has been a real opportunity for the airmen.

"This has been a real experience for all of us, being with the 786th," said Reinecke. "They do our regional (U. S. Air Forces in Europe) training, called Creek Defender, which teaches us how to set up and defend an air base."

"What an awesome experience," said Blazewicz. "We got to see how high speed the 786 cops were at Creek D, and now we're working with them."

Malone said they are part of a small team in Spangdahlem, and this has been a great learning experience from a leadership point of view. "I like doing this kind of stuff," said Malone. "I'd rather be on a deployment all the time. This is what we train for."

Senior Airman Morgan Davis, deployed SF leader, said it's neat to be a part of this.

"This is the stuff they teach us at tech school and we don't get to practice this at home. It's great to be part of a team who does nothing but air base defense and great to be part of this critical mission."