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509th SFS wins Air Force level award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Matthew S. Domingos
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  

Being named Best Large Security Forces Squadron in the Air Force is nothing new for the 509th Security Forces Squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base.

The awards package that was submitted reflected the operational intensity that the 509th Security Forces Squadron faces every day and is a culmination of a team effort.

“It takes a team to maintain the security posture of Whiteman Air Force Base,” said Senior Master Sgt. Michael Michele, 509th Security Forces Squadron, superintendent. “I think that that package is an accumulation of everything that the defenders are doing every day, 24/7 365.”

The Weapon Storage Area and security of munition assets, flightline security and the defense of the B-2 Spirit, and base security and the protection of the Airmen that get the B-2 off the ground at a moment’s notice all fall under the umbrella of the 509th Security Force Squadron.

One thing that helped push the 509th SFS over the top to win this award was their performance during Exercise Spirit Vigilance, an exercise designed to test the readiness of our Airmen to ensure they can project global strike power at a moment's notice.

During Spirit Vigilance, Whiteman AFB conducted a 12-ship fly-off of the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber, 

“When we are doing an exercise like this, there are security forces Airmen working 14 or 16-hour shifts and they are always bringing 110%,” said Airman 1st Class Zachary Smith, protection level 1 entry control operator. “It's a humbling experience working with an asset like this (The B-2 Spirit) because we know the importance of it and getting the mission done correctly.”

During this historic exercise, Smith was placed as the lead entry controller for a convoy carrying munitions from the WSA to the B-2 hangers. Munitions are at their most vulnerable during this process, making it doubly important to keep these assets in trusted hands like Smith’s.

“Airman Smith is a good litmus test for the type of Defenders that we have available. He's motivated, he's blue, he's strong, he's capable," said Master Sgt. Allen. “I know I feel safer knowing he’s out there protecting America’s number one asset.”

Airman Smith was also selected as the lead trainer for the entry control operator slot for the most secure areas of Whiteman AFB because of his dedication to doing the job the right way the first time.

“Airman Smith's character is reflective of what we believe are the traits that helped us to win and be the best Security Forces Squadron in the Air Force,” said Master Sgt. Joshua Allen, 509th Security Forces Squadron, flight chief of Alpha Flight.

Smith stepped up and took on extra responsibility, including taking on an informal leadership role in the squadron, making a significant contribution to 509 SFS winning this award.

“When we win an award like this, it shows everyone, including our adversaries, that we really are ready, anytime, anywhere,” said Michele.