MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 6th Security Forces Squadron and 6th Civil Engineering Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight flexed their base security muscles during a leadership immersion at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., Nov. 26, 2018.
Col. Stephen Snelson, 6th Air Mobility Wing Commander, joined by the 6th AMW Vice-Commander Troy Pananon and Command Chief Master Sgt. Sarah Sparks, traveled MacDill’s seven-mile coastline, attempted to outrun military working dogs, fired 50,000 volts of power from a police Taser, and detonated explosives with EOD.
“As security forces for the entire installation, we deter, detect and defend the base on water and land,” said Staff Sgt. Trisha Eddy, 6th SFS noncommissioned officer in charge of police services. “We showed Col. Snelson firsthand the training expertise and various tactics we have to maintain our security, integrity and excellence.”
The EOD flight demonstrated their skills by giving Snelson a chance to operate the remote ordnance disposal robot. Through rigorous training, EOD Airmen specialize in disposal of dangerous materials that may pose a threat to the base.
“We showed that our team is well-trained and capable of mitigating any situation to protect MacDill,” said Master Sgt. Timothy Lincoln, EOD resources section chief.
Since the 6th SFS often works hand-in-hand with local law enforcement, leadership joined Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office for a helicopter ride, ending the day with a bird's-eye view of the installation these Airmen work around the clock to protect.
“Spending time with these Airmen really opened my eyes to the sheer scale of responsibilities they take on in providing care for our Joint Force,” said Snelson. “It’s clear they are ready and willing to protect the warfighter anytime, anywhere.”