Guarding Air Force Coasts

Air Force security forces marine patrol units descended on MacDill AFB, Fla., for waterborne tactics training and certification. MacDill’s 6th Security Forces Squadron hosted police from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., and JB Charleston, S.C., for the Coast Guard-approved boat operations certification and training course. “The course has provided us with a basis for standardized training and a solid foundation to build on,” stated TSgt. Christopher Velez, 6th SFS noncommissioned officer in charge of marine patrol. During the intensive five-day course, held June 6-10, airmen practiced watercraft handling and crew coordination as well as navigation and skills unique to their security mission. “Hopefully, it will set the standard for other Air Force marine patrol units to follow,” said Velez. The 6th SFS marine patrol section conducts around-the clock boat patrols to protect MacDill’s 7.2 miles of coastline. (MacDill report by A1C Michael Ellis)