Wyo. Guard security personnel in Korea for Olympics support

  • Published
  • 153rd Airlift Wing

More than 15 airmen from the Wyoming Air National Guard’s 153rd Security Forces Squadron are traveling to Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. They will integrate with the 51st Security Forces Squadron for daily operations throughout the duration of the 2018 Winter Olympics, as part of the Deployment for Training program.

While integrating with the 51st SFS, these Wyoming Air National Guard airmen will be conducting flight line security, base installation entry control, town patrol and be area supervisors. If needed, the Wyoming airmen will join the 51st SFS in support of the Winter Olympics.

“The Deployed for Training program provides valuable training opportunities normally not available in home station scenarios,” said Chief Master Sgt. Douglas Rhodes, 153rd SFS manager. “This program provides the best possible access to challenges approximating real world missions, which will require Air National Guard security forces units to provide agile combat support capabilities and be ready to meet current and emerging Air Force and combatant commander requirements.”

These specific 153rd airmen were chosen to be part of this mission based on various factors including rank requirements, availability, eligibility and character.

“Many factors went into selecting the members and, with that being said, all of our defenders are ready, capable and trained to deploy anywhere in the world and conduct any mission assigned,” said Master Sgt. Jeffery Fay, 153rd SFS noncommissioned officer in charge of this mission.

This opportunity, while not tied directly to the Winter Olympics, will give these defenders the chance to implement their training and gain experience.

“For some of these airmen this will be the first time they will have done anything besides training and this will be a great opportunity for them to see their training put to use in a real world situation at a much larger base,” Fay said.

In addition to the opportunity to implement their training, the 153rd SFS is looking forward to experiencing the culture of the Republic of Korea and representing the unit.

“Besides work experience, these defenders will also be able to experience South Korea and its culture, which greatly differs from the United States,” Fay said. “I am very excited for these men and women, and I know they are as well. They will do an amazing job and represent the Wyoming Air Guard with pride.”

These 153rd members are slated to return after the Winter Games.