Dover Airmen deploy to defend Kirkuk Regional Air Base

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Andria J. Allmond
  • 512th Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Eleven 512th Airlift Wing Security Forces Squadron Airmen deployed this week to Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq. 

The Liberty Wing Airmen will be assigned to the 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron and will provide base defense operations such as perimeter security, entry control and patrol the base.
 
"The majority wanted to deploy and were psyched when they heard the news," said Tech. Sgt. William Yoder, 512th SFS unit training manager. "We try to instill upon them to remember what they are taught and take their training seriously. We want the training to be the hard part and for all of them to come back as a team."
 
"We are prepared and ready to go," said Staff Sgt. James Black, 512th SFS. 

Sergeant Black and his teammates, which range in ranks from senior airmen to master sergeant , attended 90 days of training in Mineral Wells, Texas, in preparation for this deployment. For most, this will be their first deployment, said Sergeant Yoder. 

"The members of the 512th SFS are excited that they finally have the chance to deploy as a team to the AOR (Area of Responsibility)," said Master Sgt. Ron McCoy, 512th SFS operations manager. "The unit has supported the fight on terrorism by augmenting active-duty here, and now they are stepping up and embracing this new challenge." 

Col. Randal L. Bright, 512th AW commander, visited the Airmen prior to their departure from Dover Air Force Base to show support to the deploying members and their families. 

"We are proud of you, and we won't forget you or your families while you're gone," said Colonel Bright. "You couldn't do what you are about to do without your families' support. Your families are just important to us as you are." 

Kirkuk, located approximately 250 kilometers north of the capital of Baghdad, has more than 750,000 residents. The air base, located at the edge of Kirkuk, also hosts the Army's 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division. During any given Air and Space Expeditionary Force rotation, approximately 900 active-duty Air Force, Guard and Reserve members are assigned to the 506th AEG. On average Air Force deployments last four to six months.