Liberty Defenders named outstanding unit

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dana J. Butler
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  The 48th Security Forces Squadron was awarded the Air Force's Outstanding Security Forces Large Unit award June 25.

The award is given out every year to the best performing security forces squadron across the Air Force and this is the second year in a row the 48th SFS has been recognized as the best.

"I want to say congratulations to Lt. Col. Cairney and the men and women of the 48th SFS for being the best large security forces unit in the United States Air Force for 2012," said Brig. Gen. Allen Jamerson, Director of Security Forces, in a video presentation that was played for the squadron announcing their win.

"I had the opportunity to visit with you all last year and saw first hand how outstanding you are so it is no surprise to me that you all won again for the second time in a row," said Jamerson.

During 2012, the 48th SFS completed 45,000 hours of combat training in preparation to deploy 38 percent of their Airmen to 12 different locations, in various parts of the world in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, spending a total of 24,000 days deployed.

Liberty Defenders conducted many tasks while deployed including securing installations, anti-piracy and counter terrorism operations, drug sweeps and combat patrols.

The 48th SFS has the responsibility of securing the largest fighter wing in U.S. Air Forces in Europe.

The recognition has come not only from unit achievements but numerous individual awards.

Liberty Defenders took home two Air Force and two USAFE-level awards, along with seven first-place wing awards.

The 48th SFS also founded the Fallen Defender's organization and raised $13,000 that went toward building the first USAFE security forces memorial.

During the video presentation Jamerson reflected on his visit to RAF Lakenheath last year.

"What blew me away during that visit besides the mission that you do especially while down range was your work that you did recognizing fallen defenders with your outstanding memorial I wish every defender could get the chance to see that," said Jamerson. "Thanks for being the best of the best, congratulations and well done!"