Slingstone 24-4: Suspicious Visitor Published Oct. 22, 2024 By Airman 1st Class Manasseh Demissie 36th Wing ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- When suspicious activity knocks on the front gate, the 36th Security Forces Squadron defenders are ready to take action. As part of Exercise Slingstone 24-4, the defenders were given an opportunity to perform what they practiced when a simulated visitor breached operation security (OPSEC). When an individual is seen taking photos at an installation entrance, 36th SFS defenders are required to approach and ask them to delete the photos. Afterwards, they are required to document the individual’s information in the event the individual returns. “He was a tourist, and wanted to take pictures, which is something that happens quite often here, " said U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Lee Peterson, 36th SFS standards and evaluation section chief. “We wanted to see what the defenders at the gate would do in response to that situation.” During the exercise, one of the defenders at the gate approached the individual and called the law enforcement desk. Police one and police two were dispatched to the scene to ensure the situation did not escalate. They gathered information from the individual and ended the simulation. “I think they did a great job”, said Peterson. “They did exactly what they needed to do.” OPSEC is vital to the security and risk management of Andersen Air Force Base and its assets. “I’m the first line of defense”, said Senior Airman Martin Ladorre, 36th SFS law enforcement patrol. “If our adversaries have some insight on what our gates look like, or if they get some sort of patterns, whether it’s high traffic or low traffic, it’s huge.” OPSEC violations can lead to personal and professional vulnerabilities. “[OPSEC] is important for the safety of our Airmen, even in our own personal lives,” said Peterson. “I think OPSEC should be practiced not just as part of being in the military, but as a civilian as well.” To report any suspicious activity contact the Office of Special Investigations at 671-366-2987 or the law enforcement desk at 671-366-2910.