Security Forces Squadron Returns from Deployment

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  • By Staff
  • Arizona National Guard Bureau
Phoenix --  Thirty eight Airmen from the 161st Air Refueling Wing Security Forces Squadron of the Arizona Air National Guard returned to Arizona Aug. 19 from their deployment to Kyrgyzstan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The mission of the Security Forces Squadron was to secure U.S. Air Force and coalition forces, and resources supporting air mobility operations. The unit was responsible for base defense via mobile response and patrols, fixed posts, law enforcement and entry control. They encountered military cooperation with the Kyrgyz Ministry of Interior Forces and Ministry of Defense National Security Service.

In addition to their security duties, Security Forces Squadron also trained local military in base defense methods and provided Military Working Dog training and techniques to Kyrgyz troops.

The unit returned to Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix, where family, fellow Airmen, Patriot Guard Riders and other community groups were there for a brief, emotional welcome home ceremony.

"We are very excited to have them home; they were gone for a long time, worked hard and did a great job," said Col. Steven Balser, 161 ARW Commander. "I have high expectations for the servicemembers of the Security Forces Squadron and they always deliver."

More than 7,000 Arizona Army and Air National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have answered the call and been ordered to federal active duty in support of Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom since September 2001.