Surprise inspection nets weapons, alcohol, merchandise

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ruth Curfman
  • 506th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
KIRKUK AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) --  Officials here found unauthorized firearms and alcohol, military uniforms and other merchandise during a surprise inspection of areas inhabited by third-country workers and American contractors.

“The sweep was the first of its kind and, because of its success, has set the precedence for future rotations to follow,” said Col. Greg Fick, 506th Air Expeditionary Group commander.

Officials said the sweep broke up a theft ring at the Army and Air Force Exchange Service facility.

“We found about six weapons, including an AK-47 rifle, and about $7,000 worth of stolen merchandise from AAFES,” said Maj. Robert Baird, 506th AEG force protection officer.

The group found boxes full of CDs and DVDs, as well as footlockers full of clothing, electronics and various exchange property.

“We originally planned to inspect these areas to ensure the quality-of-life issues surrounding our contract workers and make sure chemicals were stored properly for safety reasons,” Major Baird said. “These inspections are a good (random anti-terrorism measure) and provide training for members of our force protection team who normally wouldn’t be exposed to these types of operations.”

The people involved also learned an important lesson.

“Nobody can afford to be complacent while they’re here,” said Staff Sgt. Kristi Varner, 506th AEG force protection escort team leader. “We always have to be aware of what is going on around us because you never know what could happen.”

Inspections help ensure the safety of the base and its people.

“The end result of this operation was very advantageous,” Major Baird said. “We were able to take guns off the streets, 13 AAFES employees were fired, and we got the message across that we are very serious about force protection on this base.”

This operation was the first of a two-phase operation and will continue as future rotations arrive.