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926th Security Forces Squadron highlights its heroes

By Maj. Jessica D'Ambrosio, 926th Wing public affairs / Published February 01, 2016

(Right) Staff Sgt. Elisa Gemik, 926th Security Forces Squadron, receives an Air Force Commendation Medal here Jan. 10 for her performance during her deployment to the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, Southwest Asia. Gemik served as the Antiterrorism Program Assistant in support of Operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom's Sentinel from April to October 2015. During this time she identified and mitigated 16 critical vulnerabilities, and conducted 31 threat awareness training events and 22 battle drills. Additionally, she planned and executed 16 joint force protection and emergency response exercises with coalition partners. (U.S. Air Force photo/Maj. Jessica D'Ambrosio)
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(Right) Staff Sgt. Elisa Gemik, 926th Security Forces Squadron, receives an Air Force Commendation Medal here Jan. 10 for her performance during her deployment to the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, Southwest Asia. Gemik served as the Antiterrorism Program Assistant in support of Operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom's Sentinel from April to October 2015. During this time she identified and mitigated 16 critical vulnerabilities, and conducted 31 threat awareness training events and 22 battle drills. Additionally, she planned and executed 16 joint force protection and emergency response exercises with coalition partners. (U.S. Air Force photo/Maj. Jessica D'Ambrosio)

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NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The 926th Security Forces Squadron held a commander's call here Jan. 10 honoring those who recently returned from a deployment.

More than 35 members were deployed to the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, Southwest Asia, from April to October 2015, protecting personnel and assets during Operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom's Sentinel. 

"Within one year of activation our squadron mobilized in direct support of the war on terror, and I could have never been more proud to be their commander," said Maj. Dan Nuqui, 926th SFS commander.  "It is such an honor to lead these fine Airmen who represent the 926th beyond reproach. Defenders lead the way!"

The unit as a whole has been training to deploy since its activation here in April 2013. The Airmen who deployed completed an additional 21 days of pre-deployment training at Fort Bliss, Texas. There they learned small unit tactics, near and far ambushes, reactionary drills, Close Quarters Battle training, building clearing, and Improvised Explosive Device identification.

"Our forces conducted flightline security, installation entry security, law enforcement patrolling, and Vehicle Search Area security," said Master Sgt. Benjamin Stoeckl, 926th SFS Logistics Superintendent. "They protected more than 3,500 personnel and $5.4 billion is assets on a daily basis."

During the assignment, Airmen responded to a K-9 sitting on a possible Vehicle-Borne IED.  They evacuated personnel from buildings, cleared surrounding buildings and set up a cordon, protecting more than 130 people.

"Our security forces demonstrated that their training and tactics development could be rapidly deployed," said Stoeckl.

The 926th Wing is a classic associate unit integrated into the Regular Air Force mission here. However, its security forces squadron is unique in that its mission is to train to deploy its members. Currently the squadron is gearing up to support Exercise Keen Edge in Japan and continuing preparation for further deployment taskings, as well as streamlining processes.