Military working dogs train to perform

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Shannon Hennessy, 52nd Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler from Colusa, Calif., plays with her military working dog, Katya, after an obedience training course at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, May 27, 2014. The 52nd SFS military working dog unit uses German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois as the breed of choice for training and operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gustavo Castillo/Released)

Military working dogs train to perform

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Shannon Hennessy, 52nd Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler from Colusa, Calif., commands her dog, Katya, to sit during an obedience training course at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, May 27, 2014. Dog handlers direct their dogs through an obedience course at least once every work cycle, or approximately every four days. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gustavo Castillo/Released)

Spangdahlem rucks in remembrance

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Christopher Marler, 52nd Security Force armorer from Morrilton, Ark., finishes the last leg of a 10-kilometer Security Forces Memorial Ruck March on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, May 12, 2014. The march was held to honor all security forces defenders and police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexis Siekert)

Spangdahlem rucks in remembrance

U. S. Air Force Senior Airman Christopher Hatfield, 52nd Security Forces Squadron patrolman from Sumter, S.C., tries to keep warm before participating in the Security Forces Memorial Ruck March at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, May 12, 2014. Hatfield was one of more than 50 base members to participate in the 10-kilometer march braving cold rain and high winds. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexis Siekert)

Security Forces takes aim at protecting Spangdahlem

Published June 27, 2014
By Senior Airman Alexis Siekert
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The 52nd Security Forces Squadron is doing more than just scanning ID cards. They are providing Airmen, families and all other base members a safe place to live and work, while protecting all U.S. Air Force assets and preforming the law enforcement mission for the 1,300 Sabers in the 40 kilometer-wide area around Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.

Security Forces consists of a 350-person team of active duty, German nationals and U.S. civilians, and is divided into five sections making it a nearly self-sustaining unit. The sections include the commander's support staff, intelligence/investigations, operations, supply and logistics, and plans and programs. These sections cover everything from Airmen on patrol to pass and identification or vehicle registration clerks.

"U.S. Air Force security forces is unique across all branches as it is the only unit that acts as both infantry and law enforcement," said U.S. Air Force Capt. Brian Gilliam, 52nd SFS operations officer from Stockton, Calf. "We are the execution and the boots on the ground, and have six flights operating 24 hours a day. Our team does great on a day-to-day basis."

On top of their important role here, Spangdahlem defenders often deploy in support of the Air Force's global mission. Up to 300 Airmen are deployed to a number of places every year, and their efforts do not go unnoticed.

During the past two years, four defenders were eligible to receive the bronze star, two have received combat action medals and half a dozen meritorious service medals have been awarded, Gilliam said.

"A lot of people don't realize it, but we are ambassadors for the Air Force," said Senior Airman Amber Henderson, 52nd SFS pass and ID clerk from Beaufort, S.C. "We as cops have to be spot on because we stand apart from everyone else. We're held to a higher standard."

To best accomplish the mission, the squadron underwent important changes in 2014.

In January the SFS switched from 12-hour shifts to eight-hour shifts for the first time in seven years. This allows defenders to perform at a higher level of alertness. Secondly, the newly finished combat arms range opened its doors in April.

"I really get a sense of accomplishment when I do my job and do it well," Henderson said. "I can see the benefits, but if you think we're not doing anything, then we are doing our job right. More work in the beginning is less work in the end."