Deployed Airmen reflect bravery, selfless determination

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Brian Davidson
  • 447th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AFPN) --  Security forces Airmen here have demonstrated their bravery in the face of the enemy as they work side by side with Soldiers in detainee operations.

Col. Jim Brown, 18th Military Police Brigade commander, praised the Airmen with the 447th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron for their noble character in the fight for freedom.

“You serve in the knowledge that democratic security is not just the best form of security for our allies and Iraqi partners, but also the best form of security for America herself,” he said of his Air Force counterparts

For the Airmen and Soldiers serving together here, accomplishing their mission to bring democracy to Iraq is significant, but has also proven to be bittersweet.

The Airmen have actively participated in and supported ground combat operations against hostile forces in which they are exposed to the threat of enemy action or fire, either directly or indirectly.

Detainees are bought here from various detention facilities depending on the nature and severity of the threat they pose.

Several times each week, on an unpredictable schedule, Airmen and Soldiers oversee the air and ground transportation these of detainees.

The types of prisoners vary. Some are considered “small fish” for their role in supporting terrorism and insurgent activities, while others are considered high value and are members of the “52 most-wanted” list pictured on the terrorist deck of cards. One thing they all have in common is that they have been captured for directly or indirectly participating in attacks against coalition forces and Iraqi civilians.

Security forces Airmen are responsible for the force protection posture and defense of the base, as well as ensuring that everyone has safe passage to and from Baghdad, including coalition forces and prisoners, said Maj. Thomas Sherman, 447th ESFS commander who is deployed from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

“As long as we successfully complete our mission, we can help the Iraqi people exercise their right to self-rule,” he said.

During a prisoner transfer, some Soldiers and Airmen take up defensive fighting positions at random locations around the airfield to guard against insurgent attacks, while others direct prisoner movement.

Once an aircraft lands, prisoners are brought out shackled by the wrist and ankles, wearing a distinctive brightly colored jumpsuit. Military excorts said they treat them with professionalism, courtesy and respect.

Recently, that professionalism was tested when a sniper put one of the 18th MP Soldiers in his cross hairs.

Army Staff Sgt. James McNaughton, who worked closely with security forces Airmen, was killed by the sniper’s bullet.

Late the following night, more than 120 Soldiers and Airmen stood solemnly at attention on the flightline near the same place prisoners are brought on and off aircraft, to pay final tribute to their comrade.

For most of the Airmen, his death was their first experience with the reality of war.

Staff Sgt. Amber Cerrato said that knowing the Soldier who was killed, and that some of the insurgents they work with have committed acts of violence against other coalition forces, was a shock and an eye-opener. However, she said she would not change how they meet their obligation to adhere to the rules of the laws of armed conflict and the Geneva Conventions.

“We have a job to do and we are going to do it,” said Sergeant Cerrato, who is deployed from Cannon AFB, N.M.

The Airmen of the 447th ESFS will continue to support the mission of the Soldiers for the duration of their deployment, and the significance of that mission will always be theirs.

“It’s an honor to serve and show that we are brothers in arms with the Soldiers of the 18th,” said Senior Airman Danny Hubbard, who is deployed from Dyess AFB, Texas. “We are proud to have fought side by side for the same cause -- the people of Iraq.”