Airborne security flight reaches across ‘high frontier’

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Andeelynn Fifrick
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. (AFPN) --  It was enough to make a person nauseous. The UH-1N Huey tested the limits of both the aircraft and the defenders it carried as it turned nearly on its side circling the missile launch facility.

With their cast-iron stomachs, the security forces Airmen glared out the aircraft’s windows to conduct an aerial sweep of the area before maintenance at the site began.

The airborne security flight Airmen provide rapid security response throughout the 341st Space Wing's 23,500 square-mile missile complex.

Their ability to successfully accomplish the mission hinges on coordination and cooperation between Airmen of the 741st Missile Security Forces Squadron and the 40th Helicopter Flight.

“The working relationship between security forces and the 40th HF is outstanding,” said Master Sgt. Reynaldo Martinez, of the 741st MSFS. “Joint training and mission planning between security forces and the aircrews (contribute) to the overall mission accomplishment.”

During two recent inspections, the flight’s Airmen were cited as models for nuclear security, said Maj. Richard Wickum, 40th HF commander.

“There are plenty of accolades in both reports that document the success of the program,” Major Wickum said.

One key to the success is the close relationship between the security forces Airmen and aircrews. Although the Airmen are assigned to the 741st MSFS, they actually work in the same building that houses the helicopter flight. Each morning, security forces Airmen travel to the armory to draw their weapons, but then immediately return to their building to attend the day’s mission briefing with the aircrew.

Drawing from the same pool of security forces Airmen enhances the effectiveness of the team, officials said.

“Security forces members receive duty familiarization training from aircrews, which includes helicopter ingress and egress, local area orientation, air operations and safety,” Sergeant Martinez said.

The other two missile wings, the 90th SW at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., and the 91st SW at Minot AFB, N.D., have recently started operations similar to Malmstrom’s model, he said.

“(The airborne security flight) is something new that moves us in the right direction to respond to the evolving threat of terrorism,” said Staff Sgt. Clay Thomas, of the 741st MSFS. “The best part of this duty is our integration with the 40th HF and the opportunity we have to develop new tactics, courses and training.”

The aerial sentries land following a long day of tending to their flock of 200 Minuteman III ICBMs and retire to their office to get ready for another day.