Armory keeps base armed, ready

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Amber Carter
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  
Security forces are the first line of defense when it comes to protecting the base. However, a defender would have trouble defending without their weapons. That's the mission of the 60th Security Forces Squadron armory.

The armory is responsible for storing, arming and disarming and the accountability of weapons on Travis Air Force Base, Calif.

"I conduct issue and turn-in for security forces, Department of Defense and U.S. Navy personnel," said Senior Airman Devereaux Lee, 60th SFS armorer. "I issue out aircrew weapons for their missions, pack weapons and ammo for security forces and our Ravens and courtesy store weapons for those that are visiting the base or in temporary living facilities and the fam camp. Also, I make sure personally owned weapons are registered for anyone living on base."

There are a variety of weapons that the armorers are responsible for.

"I am responsible for regular duty weapons such as M9 Beretta and M4 Carbine," Lee said. "We also have M-16 rifles, some heavy weapons and even a bow and arrow."

According to the agile combat section of the Air Force mission, deployment and sustainment are keys to successful operations and cannot be separated. Agile combat support applies all forces, from those permanently based to contingency buildups to expeditionary forces.

"As we prepare for short missions, gathering weapons and ammunition, we must ensure that we follow Air Force Instruction 31-117, 'Arming Use of Force,' " said Airman 1st Class Sherese Young, 60th SFS armorer. "The Air Force mission requires us to be ready at all times, to be capable to send out our support crews and ensure that they are well equipped to sustain and return safely."

Although, they are not the faces of security forces we see at the gate, their mission is essential to keeping every security forces member armed and ready.

"My favorite part of the job is being able to talk to those arming up and turning in," Lee said. "It is a way of networking and just checking up on how everyone is. I work next to these people almost every day and it feels right knowing that they are OK and can start their day feeling great. I guess you can say I am like the hair dresser of the security forces world."

The U.S. Air Force Security Forces motto is 'Defensor Fortis' meaning defenders of the force. 

"My favorite part of the job is being able to wish our aircrew and Ravens a safe return as we pack their weapons for various missions," Young said. "I count it as a blessing when I see my fellow wingmen leave and return daily."