Defending Excellence: 319th Security Forces Squadron named outstanding AMC unit

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Zachiah Roberson
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The 319th Security Forces Squadron was recently named Outstanding Medium Security Forces Unit of the Year by Air Mobility Command.

This sought-after award recognized the 319th SFS for excellence in innovation, competency and dedication.

When Col. Anthony Hernandez arrived as the new 319th Mission Support Group commander, he asked his squadron commanders to set written goals for their units and then to also share them with each other so that they can help each other achieve these goals. "Winning this award was one of our goals as a unit and it was truly a team effort as the many ways that we were competitive were a result of hard work across our squadron," said Becker.

The 319th SFS has a long list of actions that led to them receiving such a prestigious award at the AMC level; Specifically, the squadron handling numerous changes to training facilities for the 319th SFS such as the project to repair the shooting-range and most importantly the indoor Simunitions Shoot-house, which was the first of its kind in AMC.

"Being at Grand Forks, nothing thunders as it takes off and Airmen really struggle connecting to the mission here, and seeing the value of what they do," said Chief Master Sgt. Ernest Jepperson, 319th SFS manager. "I feel this recognition reinforces to our Airmen that what we bring to the fight is important and AMC recognition is something that drives it home that what we do matters and that we are doing it well."

The 319th SFS has altered a vast majority of their training regiments by doubling the amount of training defenders get. Community Partnership efforts with local law enforcement have also increased. Last year, 23 training events were co-hosted by the 319th SFS paired with the Grand Forks Police Department, Grand Forks County, Department of Homeland Security, FBI, DEA and other local agencies.

Along with stateside achievements, 319th SFS members in deployed locations were also guiding factors in the squadron achieving the AMC level award.

"We've had a lot of people doing great things downrange," said Becker. "Teams have been recognized in [Southwest Asia], as well as defenders being recognized during the historic [Transit Center at] Manas closure also."

"Training is a big deal and very important to us defenders," said Jepperson. "Be proud of what you do, because when a crisis happens, a lot of people take cover; my defenders are the ones who are running toward the fight so I want them to be proud of that and prepared to make the right decisions."

Though the 319th SFS received the award, they cannot only attribute their success to themselves. Only with the help of numerous agencies on base this award was this award possible, particularly all of the other squadrons in the Mission Support Group and 10th Space Warning Squadron at Cavalier Air Force Station who provided invaluable assistance throughout the year.

"In the MSG, a question that is constantly asked is 'what's the main thing,' and the answer is Excellence," said Jepperson. "We beat that drum, whether you're controlling entry to the installation or working [Base Defense Operations Center] or patrolling base housing; do it with Excellence!"

Working in such a bitter cold environment, the defenders of Grand Forks AFB have adapted by utilizing one of the Air Force's only interchangeable indoor training structures to keep their skills honed and sharp, and themselves resilient and professional year round as the base's first line of defense.

"One of my favorite sayings this year is that, 'old men plant trees for young men to enjoy,' so it's not the here and now, it's about innovation for the future through embracing Excellence and making things better," said Becker. "It's not about the two of us, [referring to himself and Chief Jepperson] it's about us as an organization so I feel the award reflects on all of our defenders."