JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
The 628th Security Forces Squadron at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., showed all of Air Mobility Command what it takes to be named the 2014 AMC Large Security Forces Unit.
"I was elated when I heard the news that our defenders won this lofty award," said Lt. Col. Warren Brainard, 628th SFS commander. "It's great that the hard work and high tempo over the past year hasn't gone unnoticed. It's a direct reflection of our Airmen, Sailors, and civilians we have here and the achievements they've accomplished. I'm so lucky and proud to lead such a high performing team."
Being part of a joint base, security forces has a unique mission that includes maritime security. The 628th SFS has led the Department of Defense's only joint harbor patrol unit that is home to four boats and 36 crew members whose mission is to patrol and provide security to the 16 miles of waterfront property at the Weapons Station.
The 628th SFS is also home to AMC's largest and busiest Raven hub. In 2014, the Raven's supported more than 80 missions for a combined 698 days on the road. They transited 141 nations with 2,000 people on board and 8 million tons of cargo.
In an effort to discourage Airmen and Sailors from driving under the influence, security forces members worked with five local police departments and coordinated four joint DUI check points, issuing 10 citations and making four arrests.
To improve their tactical skills, the squadron hosted a training event with seven local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. They trained on breeching, hot pursuit and a barricaded suspect. This event strengthened the relationship with local agencies and provided a forum for an exchange of ideas and better practices.
In 2014, the defenders were tested hard and made the grade after being the first 628th Air Base Wing squadron to undergo a Vertical Unit Inspection by the Joint Base Charleston Inspector General's office. The IG graded their performance as "Effective" and noted that the unit "continues to demonstrate strong mission execution capability across the entire Joint Base."
They also played a large role in making sure JB Charleston's Airmen have the weapons they need when it comes time for a deployment. In 2014 security forces members inspected 3,000 mobility weapons with zero discrepancies.
Deployed 628th SFS members led nearly 1,500 Afghan security forces members on numerous combat patrols. These patrols fostered relations with the village maliks, which ultimately resulted in disrupting three Taliban attacks, saving countless lives.
In addition to unit accomplishments, the 628th SFS squadron had numerous individual accomplishments ranging from a distinguished graduate at Squadron Officer School, wing and AMC award winners plus deployed members being named Warriors of the Week, Airman of the Month and NCO of the Month.
At the end of the day, Col. Jeffrey DeVore, Joint Base Charleston commander, is proud to have the 628th SFS call JB Charleston home.
"Our JB Charleston defenders achieved a phenomenal record of success this year, which is evident through their accomplishments and awards," he said.
The 628th SFS will now compete for the Outstanding Large Unit Award at the Air Force level.