Security Forces team returns from Kuwait

  • Published
  • By Nathan Simmons
  • 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  Applause and warm embraces with family and friends were received by 27 Airmen from the 75th Security Forces Squadron who returned home Jan. 31 from a more than six month deployment to Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait.

In July, members from the squadron deployed in support of overseas contingency operations. Their primary mission was securing 33,400 tons of cargo, nearly 10,000 sorties, and 500,000 passengers over the course of the deployment. The group provided security and training to supply bases in Kuwait, but their main duty was to guard against terrorist threats.

Lt. Col.Anthony Maisonet, 75th Security Forces Squadron commander, is proud of the squadron's accomplishment and is glad to have them back home.

"The reason why you probably don't hear too much about it is because they do their job," Maisonet said. "They did an absolutely phenomenal job protecting the base."

"I'm happy to have these Airmen back home safely to spend some time with their families," he added. "They'll get some well deserved time off. I'm happy to have them back protecting Hill Air Force Base."

The operational tempo for Air Force Security Forces has grown exponentially since September, 11, 2001. These Airmen have had to be away from their families and subjected to austere conditions in a number of diverse jobs and skill sets.

"These Airmen spent extended time away from their families, friends and loved ones," the commander said. "They sacrifice the normal day- to-day life they are used to, in order to protect the American way of life as we know it.

"All members of the 75th Security Forces Squadron did a superb job at continuing to pursue the United States' interests of democracy and freedom, as well as furthering our foreign relations," Maisonet said. "The mission and contributions of the returning 75th SFS members is beyond reproach and they have done their country and the Air Force proud."

The 75th SFS will have more Airmen deploy to various locations in Iraq and Afghanistan this summer.