Ravens provide security for Hurricane Rita evacuations Published Sept. 23, 2005 By 2nd Lt. Ashley Conner 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. (AFPN) -- A four-person security forces Raven team left here Sept. 22 for Travis Air Force Base, Calif., along with four other teams from Air Mobility Command bases to provide security for AMC aircraft traveling to Texas and Louisiana.The Phoenix Raven program, implemented in 1997, consists of teams of security forces Airmen dedicated to providing security for AMC aircraft. Each team consists of two to six specially trained and equipped Airmen who perform air marshal-type duties."We ensure the plane is safe while it is on the ground and, once it is airborne, we protect the crew from any passengers (who may) try to harm them," said Tech. Sgt. William Smith, Raven stage manager for the 22nd Security Forces Squadron here.Senior Airman Elizabeth Chapell, also a McConnell Raven, recently returned from New Orleans supporting Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, but is now en route to join Joint Task Force-Rita."This mission is a little different because it is pre-emptive,” Airman Chapell said. “We are getting people out before they lose everything."Although security is the Ravens No. 1 concern, Sergeant Smith said they also provide first aid and ensure passengers are comfortable and safe.Sergeant Smith and the other McConnell Ravens said they do not know how long they will be gone, but anticipate they will not be back until all the evacuees are safe."It is the life of a Raven. You go when you are called. I am just happy I can help," Airman Chapell said.