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736th SFS named PACAF's outstanding small security forces unit

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Chris Powell
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Pacific Air Force's officials recently named Andersen's 736th Security Forces Squadron the command's most outstanding small security forces unit for 2008. 

The 736th SFS will now compete against all other major command winners to vie for the Air Force Outstanding Small Security Forces Unit award. 

"I am extremely proud of the members of the 736th Security Forces Squadron," said Lt. Col. Troy Roberts, 736th SFS commander. "The [736th SFS] wouldn't be PACAF's Outstanding Small Security Forces unit without our people. There is no doubt that our success as a unit and accomplishing the mission is dependent on the quality of our people." 

While mission accomplishment is dependent on quality Airmen, the professionalism they showed while completing their mission ensured their efforts didn't go unnoticed. 

"The professionalism displayed by our Airmen is constant," said Master Sgt. Keith Long, 736th SFS operations superintendent. "Regardless of the task at hand, our Airmen embrace professionalism and continue to succeed and raise the bar for future members of the 736th SFS." 

Combining professional and enthusiastic Airmen with a high operations tempo, means for a busy and successful year, and according to Colonel Roberts, that's exactly what the 736th SFS had. 

"We have had an extremely busy year. Our air base openers have deployed to Diego Garcia, India, and [will soon deploy to] Thailand," Colonel Roberts explained. "They have provided security at air shows, combined and joint exercises and provided anti-terrorism officers for many Pacific Air Forces' and 13th Air Force led events." 

What sets the 736th SFS apart from other units in the command is it's attached to the 36th Contingency Response Group. The 36th CRG provides initial Air Force presence to potentially austere forward operation locations throughout the Pacific. 

"We also deployed to Thailand when the typhoon hit Burma [to provide humanitarian assistance]. We reloaded supply planes at the Utapao International Airport in Thailand," said Tech. Sgt. Brandi Burns, 736th SFS Commando Warrior instructor. "We also had a tasking to deploy to Beijing, China, during the Olympics to provide security for President Bush and Air Force One." 

Additionally, the 736th SFS plays host to the Commando Warrior training school. All PACAF security forces Airmen must attend the 14-day course prior to deploying in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. 

"There's only two [Commando Warrior schools] in the Air Force," Sergeant Burns explained. "With it, we have the ability to train within the group." 

The squadron is no stranger to winning the award. 

"We have a winning streak going within PACAF," Colonel Roberts said. "We [also won] ... at the Air Force level in 2005, and we aim to take it again for 2008. 

"I can't imagine another small security forces unit that has as much wide-ranging mission impact as the 736th Security Forces Squadron," he said. "I know in my gut that it's the best in the Air Force."