In The (Formerly Soviet) Bear's Den
As far as security forces troops are concerned, protecting
aircraft in one location is like protecting aircraft in another.
The scenery may change, but the procedures don't -- unless, of
course, the aircraft are in the former Soviet Union.
For the 17 members of the 48th Security Forces Squadron from
Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, protocol in protecting US
aircraft at the Moscow International Air Show and Space Salon at
Ramenskoye Airfield here is a bit different from what they're used
to following.
The security forces members here are not armed, as part of an
agreement between the United States and Russia.
"We have no weapons, no type of defense equipment. We don't even
have handcuffs," said Master Sgt. Kenneth Blair, 48th SFS Resources
noncommissioned officer in charge.
The air show is one of the largest in the world, fourth only to
the air shows in Paris; Farnborough, England; and Dubai. But, even
with more than 750,000 visitors expected during the six-day air
show, Blair said he and his team, which is augmented by some of the
aircraft maintainers, are not concerned about security
incidents.
"We're working pretty closely with local security, and if a
problem requires armed intervention, they're close enough to
respond," Blair said.
The US aircraft, including two F-15Es, two F-16CJs, a KC-10
Extender and a KC-135R Stratotanker, are on static display behind a
metal gate called a corral.
Also, two B-1B Lancers are on hand for static and aerial
displays and are expected to draw large crowds.
But, no matter how big the crowds grow, Blair said his team of
hand-selected SFS troops is here to maintain 24-hour security for
the US assets -- a job he's confident his team can handle.
"Inside the corral, it's business as usual. Each of these guys
does a different job around the squadron every day, but they all
have ties with security and they know their jobs very well," Blair
said.
Like duty at RAF Lakenheath, the days here are long. The trip
from the hotel to the airfield and back can take up to two hours
each way. Add that to a 12-hour shift and it doesn't leave much
time for sightseeing. Still, most people on the security team are
thrilled about the opportunities this trip provides.
"It's ironic that it took me coming to Moscow to learn more
about our Air Force," said Senior Airman Larry Cash, 48th SFS
sensors program manager. "This is the first time I've had the
chance to talk with (aircraft) maintainers. I didn't really have an
understanding of what they did. It's neat to hear about what they
do and it gives me a chance to see what the Air Force is about
outside a cop's life."
Others couldn't believe they were actually in Russia.
"I'm more than excited. This is a once-in-a-lifetime
experience," said Senior Airman Jerome Hurst, 48th SFS Security
Response Team leader. "I'll never forget this as long as I
live."
lair couldn't agree more. "I joined the Air Force in 1986 and
the Cold War was going strong," he said. "Just being here is
amazing. I never, in my lifetime, thought I'd walk on Soviet
ground."
This is the second time the United States has displayed military
aircraft at the air show; the first time was in 2003. In 2001 the
Department of Defense participated with a technology booth.
(ANN salutes Air Force Tech. Sgt. Cindy Dorfner with the
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office)