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736th SFS named PACAF Outstanding Small Unit

Staff Sgt. Nicholas Shonk, 736th Security Forces Squadron, provides a nonlethal weapons overview for host nation representatives during the Pacific Defender subject matter expert exchange May 10, 2012. The weapons overview was one of many facets covered during the five-day event. The 736th Security Force Squadron won the Pacific Air Forces Outstanding Small Security Forces Unit Award for 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jeffrey Schultze/Released)

736th SFS named PACAF Outstanding Small Unit

Staff Sgt. Nicholas Roberts, 736th Security Forces Squadron, assists a host nation representative putting on tactical gear during the Pacific Defender subject matter expert exchange May 10, 2012. Pacific Defender allows partner nations to exchange ideas and methods of training within the Pacific region and showcases U.S. commitment to its allies and partners in the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jeffrey Schultze/Released)

736th SFS named PACAF Outstanding Small Unit

Members of the 736th Security Forces Squadron congratulate each other after recording the most repetitions in the “Team Pain” event of the warrior challenge May 16, 2012. The 736th Security Force Squadron won the Pacific Air Forces Outstanding Small Security Forces Unit Award for 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Wiseman/Released

736th SFS named PACAF Outstanding Small Unit

Gen. Herbert “Hawk” Carlisle, Pacific Air Forces commander, shakes hands with Master Sgt. Joseph Crow, 736th Security Forces Squadron standardization and evaluation NCO in charge, after a counter-improvised explosive device training demonstration at Northwest Field, Guam, Dec. 3, 2012. Airmen from the 736th SFS donned their gear while others dressed up as opposing forces to present the general with different training capabilities that Andersen Air Force Base offers to the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Marianique Santos/Released)

736th SFS named PACAF Outstanding Small Unit

Members of the 736th Security Forces Squadron carry the torch during the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics of Guam, March 17, 2012. The 736th Security Force Squadron won the Pacific Air Forces Outstanding Small Security Forces Unit Award for 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Carlin Leslie)

736th SFS named PACAF Outstanding Small Unit

Published Feb. 26, 2013
By Staff Sgt. Veronica McMahon
36th Wing Public Affairs

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Pacific Air Forces officials recently announced the 736th Security Forces Squadron as the command's outstanding small security forces unit in 2012.

The 736th SFS is recognized for their ability to provide a rapidly-deployable, integrated defense capability for expeditionary Airmen to deploy worldwide. According to the squadron's senior leadership, they have excelled beyond their standards.

"I am extremely proud of the 736th Airmen and how far we have come over the past two years," said Maj. Tara Opielowski, 736th SFS commander. "We've made so many changes internally over the past year and a half and it's truly enabled us to become the go-to squadron for high-speed and last-minute security forces taskings within this area of responsibility."

The squadron accomplished many notable tasks in 2012, to include earning an outstanding on their 36th Wing Compliance Inspection, supporting the U.S. president's security support plan to three locations in the AOR, and playing as a lead in flood response efforts in Thailand and in multiple exercises.

According to Senior Master Sgt. Rick Schlachter, 736th SFS superintendent, the squadron's mission is unique and is one thing that sets them apart from the rest.

"Our unit is prepared to deploy within 12 hours of notification," he said. "They train with multiservice and multicultural allies to make the mission happen."

Conducting subject matter expert exchanges is another capability of the unit. In 2012, they conducted three SMEE visits with eight nations here on Andersen as well as completing a Nepal SMEE visit, all strengthening bonds between Pacific allies.

The 736th SFS is a dual-mission squadron. Along with maintaining their deployment readiness and working alongside allies, the squadron runs the Commando Warrior Pacific Regional Training Center, and continues to be one of the few SFS units to have its own school house.

"During Commando Warrior, they are training actual warfighters and delivering them to combatant commanders to make the wartime mission happen," Schlachter said. "We also train other services and prepare them to go out in the field."

Schlachter also said the squadron team members are constantly being praised and recognized for their outstanding performances, efforts and successes in carrying out their important role in the Air Force.

"We've proven time and time again that the Airmen in the 736th SFS are extremely knowledgeable and very proficient in their jobs and they have a motivated, can-do attitude," Opielowski said. "I'm so proud of each and every one of them and they have truly earned this award."

The 736th SFS will now go on to compete against the other major command winners for the Air Force-level award.