Elmendorf’s Reserve Security Unit Beefing Up

Air Force Reserve Command’s 477th Security Forces Flight at JB Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, earlier this month transitioned to a squadron, announced base officials. The change to the 477th Security Forces Squadron took place on March 1, with the new unit now having 19 of its 54 billets filled, according to Elmendorf’s March 6 release. Once the squadron reaches the capability to assume full operations in 2015, it will deploy as a unit; until then, its members will support Elmendorf’s Active Duty security forces airmen in protecting the base, states the release. “At the end of last year, we ran our airmen through a simulated use-of-force scenario in the engagement skill trainer, conducting field operations, such as land navigation,” said MSgt. Hiram Gunter of the 477th SFS. “All of these training opportunities will hone our skills and keep them sharp when we are called upon for real-world missions,” he added. The new squadron is a part of the 477th Fighter Group, whose airmen help operate and maintain Elmendorf’s F-22s together with the airmen of the Active Duty 3rd Wing. (Elmendorf report by Capt. Ashley Conner)