Airmen Of The 407th Provide Security Over Construction Sites
Ali Base, Iraq
Long before the first break of day, team members roll out to begin protecting the skies over Iraq.
Each day Pilots and Airmen of the U.S. Air Force 407th Expeditionary Squadron fly in support of our interests and as escorts in their missions over Iraq. The squad is made up of personnel from over fifty-one different job titles, and even certain medical specialties. Every single one of them stands vigilant in their mission to protect and serve.
Welders to Crew Chiefs, Office Personnel to Pilots, all stand at the ready to fly missions in support as third country escorts and as security for local Iraqi nationals. “Participating as part of the total security force is different from anything I’ve done,†said Master Sgt Aaron Renn. Renn serves with the ESFS 407th Force Protection Squadron. “I was not sure if I would be totally prepared†said Renn.
It has been a successful experiment as different job titles and Air Crew Teams have blended well with their brethren from the security areas. “Our forces working in security have treated us well, as part of the team†Renn Said.
“One of our largest tasks at hand is to keep local workers from gathering information or intelligence,†remarked Renn. “You have to stay on your toes,†said Renn. Air Crews are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“In our job as security assets, we are helping to prevent gathering of Intelligence,†said Senior Airman Beau Gish from the 407th ESFS. “That in itself makes it worth it†said Gish.
