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‘Defenders’ act as guardians, ambassadors during Bahrain International Airshow

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Joseph Kapinos
  • AFCENT Combat Camera Team
MANAMA, Bahrain --  Aircraft and aircrews take center stage at airshows as people admire the modern aviation technology in today's fighters, transports, and helicopters.

Behind the scenes, there are people who do their jobs with less recognition -- hard-working individuals ensuring the events unfold smoothly as planned.

Among the Airmen representing the United States here at the inaugural Bahrain International Airshow is a delegation of security forces "Defenders" protecting servicemembers and aircraft alike. They traveled to the small island-nation of Bahrain from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, and Shaw AFB, S.C., to represent their country and the Air Force to one of the United States' strongest allies in the Middle East.
The Airmen are proud to be a part of the airshow, held Jan. 21 to 23.

"I truly feel it is an honor to be asked to come here and represent my country at the first-ever airshow held in Bahrain," said Airman First Class Cody Hamilton, security forces specialist from Dyess AFB, Texas. "I am proud to be doing my part, guarding these aircraft and making sure that my fellow servicemembers, both Air Force and Navy, feel safe while participating at this event."

Security forces work in shifts 24 hours a day, protecting the United States' military assets.

While standing guard, they also take the opportunity to interact with local military and civilian leaders from many Middle Eastern countries, explaining their mission and fostering a sense of camaraderie and fellowship under the bright, shining sun.

"This has been a great experience for me as this is the first time I have been overseas," said Airman 1st Class Justin Moffett, a security forces "Defender" from Dyess AFB, Texas. "The people here are very friendly. They want to take photos with you in front of the aircraft, shake your hand and talk with you. It feels really great to be here experiencing this culture and representing my country at the same time."

While the "Defenders" enjoy their time interacting with the public, all of them are aware and understand the importance of what they are here to do, protect America's top-of-the-line fighters and transports.

The Airmen had no trouble transitioning to the new environment and flightline.

"This is our primary job back at our home station at Dyess," Airman Moffett said. "Every day we are working on the flightline, protecting the bombers of the 7th Bomb Wing and also working law enforcement. We are able to adapt to this location easily to accomplish this mission."

According to the "air boss," the person responsible for coordinating aircraft, both on the ground and in the air, the "Defender's" mission is absolutely vital to the success of the airshow.

"We simply could not bring the aircraft here if we didn't have the security forces team to guard them," said Maj. Andy Holmberg, a KC-135 Stratotanker pilot assigned to U.S. Air Forces Central Command at Shaw AFB, S.C. "From the moment the aircraft hit the ground, we have to have security forces guarding them. Without the 'Defenders,' we wouldn't be able to successfully support this airshow.

"It would be complete mission failure and that is simply not acceptable," he said.