39th SFS wins at Air Force level

  • Published
  • By Lori Burling Alves
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  The 39th Security Forces Squadron has won the title of the Best Large Security Forces Squadron in the Air Force for 2006. The award encompasses nearly every duty position security forces performs -- not only securing Incirlik, but also being involved within its community.

"On average, this squadron has more younger members than any other I've been assigned to, this goes to show you it's not how much you know or how much experience you have, it's what you do with it," said Maj. Bryan Gillespie, 39th Security Forces Squadron commander, who will accept the award next month at the Security Forces Center at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio.

Last month, the squadron was named the Best Large Security Forces Squadron in U.S. Air Forces in Europe. For the Air Force-wide award, the team was up against stiff competition from bases such as Minot Air Force Base, N.D. The awards were announced after a year of many changes and strenuous shifts to improve security operations at Incirlik.

Within the last year, the 39th SFS has improved and implemented new training and tactical procedures, conducted vulnerability assessments on areas that had been overlooked for years, and improved relations with their Turkish counterparts -- even writing the first Air Base Wing Joint Security Plan with the Turkish Air Force. The team also secured the busiest cargo hub -- providing 58 percent of all down range air-cargo -- in the Air Force. On the training end, security forces Airmen here earned higher scores on their end of course training exams than security forces members Air Force wide in 2006. Senior noncommissioned officer successfully managed their teams, while also improving their programs, and investigators worked more than 40 cases, acquiring a 91 percent solve rate.

Physical fitness also proved to be of the utmost importance to the security team. In 2006, the squadron had a 99 percent pass rate of the 248 individuals participating in the PT program.

"Even while working a grueling operations tempo, the men and women of the security forces team have consistently maintained a high level of motivation in both their job duties and physical fitness," said Senior Master Sgt. Virgil Burden, 39th SFS operations superintendent.

Another highlight of the year came in August when the squadron lived up to high expectations during the surety inspection -- receiving the highest rating possible with four sub-areas rated as excellent -- something the squadron had not achieved in many years. Also, while maintaining daily duties, the squadron support safe-haven support, securing more than 1,700 American citizens who fled a bomb-ridden Lebanon.

But the 39th SFS does not stop at simply securing the base. The team of more than 250 men and women also take pride in being an active player in Incirlik's community. The squadron planned the Red Ribbon Week, a program on drug prevention presented to more than 500 students, parents and teachers at Incirlik; and members of the squadron were instrumental in planning the Wing Holiday Gala. The squadron also provided security for base visitors and festivals such as Tops in Blue, USO entertainment, October Fest, Spring Fling and a Memorial Day celebration. The squadron also won first place for the Air Base Wingman Challenge Day and received the Spirit Award.

"Our folks never cease to amaze me, just when I think we've done about all we can do, they surprise me with extra energy to give back to our community even after working long shifts," said Major Gillespie.

No matter the challenge presented, the 39th SFS has proven they will accept and succeed.

"What this award says to the Airmen working 14 hour shifts, six days a week is that their dedication to the mission is not going unnoticed," said Capt. Jim Alves, 39th SFS operations officer. "Every defender that has served here at Incirlik, whether permanent party or any one of the TDY teams that help keep this base safe, should hold their heads high. This is truly awesome."