Sword and Shield Afloat

The 325th Security Forces Squadron christened Gladius and Cetratus—a pair of new patrol boats that will augment security along the 129 miles of coastline at Tyndall AFB, Fla. “Gladius and Cetratus is translated from Latin as ‘Sword’ and ‘Shield,'” said Maj. Michael Bernatt, 325th SFS provost marshal. Gladius, a 22-foot craft powered by a 225 horsepower outboard motor, and Cetratus, a 24-foot, 400 horsepower coastal patrol boat, were christened by the wives of Tyndall’s 325th Fighter Wing and 325th Mission Support Group commanders at the base marina, Aug. 19. “If it wasn’t for our aggressive patrolling and the visual deterrence we provide each day, Tyndall wouldn’t be the hard target it is,” said TSgt. Nathan Spradley, non-commissioned officer in charge with the 325th SFS. (Tyndall report by A1C Christopher Reel)