Keeping Sather safe requires joint team effort Published March 6, 2008 By Tech. Sgt. Amanda Callahan 447th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs SATHER AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) -- Airmen, Soldiers and Ugandan contractors who make up the 447th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron here combine forces to patrol, protect and defend Sather Air Base every day. In addition to securing the base, 447th ESFS members patrol the area around Baghdad International Airport. "While working with contractors and other services is not unique to the Air Force, contract guards and Army personnel have never been fully merged into security operations under the sole control of an Area Defense Operations Center in a combat environment under full Air Force tactical command and control," said Lt. Col. Ronald Turk, the 447th ESFS commander. "There are certainly security challenges on the civilian side of the airport that we deal with on a regular basis to make sure it's safe to operate out here," Colonel Turk said. "Sather is one of the busiest air cargo hubs in Iraq. We ensure the safe flow of cargo and passengers every day." Members of the 447th ESFS patrol the perimeter of Sather AB regularly checking for signs that the fence has been compromised. "I'm basically looking for holes or deviations in the fence line," said Tech. Sgt. Santiago Tapia, a 447th ESFS member. "We have to make sure the base is safe. While we're out here patrolling, we see there are bad people out there. We have 'what if' situations running through our heads the whole time." In the event that something or someone tries to try to enter the base, they would be met by 447th ESFS members. "I think about the job I'm doing up here all the time up," said Staff Sgt. Michael Collaso, a 447th ESFS member. "I'm responsible for taking care of all the guys, being precise and knowing what I'm doing up here. My job is to deter anyone from coming onto the flightline." Airmen are not the only ones keeping Sather AB safe. "This is my first time working with the Air Force," said Army Staff Sgt. Jamone Drummer, a shift supervisor. "I've enjoyed it. I don't normally have a lot of opportunities to work with the Air Force. At first, I didn't know what to expect. It's exciting to get to see another side of the military." Joining American Airmen and Soldiers to keep the base free from danger are members of EOD Technology, a contracted security company from Uganda. "Most of them (the EOD Technology guards from Uganda) have been in combat situations before here in Iraq, so there are no questions in my mind that if we get into a firefight that they'd join in," Sergeant Tapia said. "They've been through it before. Most of them were in the military in Uganda." EOD Technology contractors provide their security expertise, which allows the Army and Air Force security forces to concentrate on other security issues. "We provide specialized and professional security," said Sgt. Seth Kabandize, an EOD Technology guard. "That way, the Air Force can do other jobs. We can do security to standards that you will appreciate, and the Air Force doesn't have to stay here in one place." "This is the first time we have a truly joint mission," said Senior Airman Adam Fernandez, a 447th ESFS member. "We've worked with the Army before, but now that we have the Ugandans, it's nice to know we can work together as one force. It's a privilege to be able to do this in Baghdad especially. It's an honor to be a part of something historic." In addition to the different services working together, the Air Force component of the unit is comprised of about 97 percent Air National Guard members. "Each organization cultivates professionalism, from each Guard unit, to the Army to the EOD Technology guards," said Master Sgt. Dave Beun, a 447th ESFS member. "It doesn't happen over night. We're very fortunate to have the quality of professionals we have in this unit." Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) Click here to view the comments/letters page