Kandahar’s flightline security provides support for Hajj Published Dec. 3, 2009 By Master Sgt. Steven Ingrahm 451st Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- From Oct. 26 to Nov. 21 the Kandahar Airfield Flightline Security team provided security near the Kandahar International Airport for the traversing of pilgrims through Kandahar City for their Hajj flight. The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is completed by adult Muslims who have the means to bear the expenses. This act of worship is only required to be completed once in his or her lifetime. Flightline Security ensures there is peace on the way to Mecca and that there are no hindrances or restrictions in traveling to Mecca during the Hajj. They have the responsibility of achieving both security of assets and ensuring the pilgrims have a safe journey along their way. To achieve this balance, the team of coalition forces provided a blocking force near Kandahar International Airport to ensure no one interfered with the $40 billion worth of base aircraft, the 3,000 Hajj pilgrims, or the 20,000 people who live on the installation. In the event a Hajj aircraft could not park at KIA, Flightline Security guaranteed no hindrance in travel to Mecca by providing lead and trail vehicles to escort the pilgrims to the airport. Always prepared for an unfortunate occurrence, such as an aircraft fire, Flightline Security was prepared to setup a security area, to ensure a safe working environment for fire, medical, and rescue personnel, so they could complete their mission. Flightline Security was a small piece in the chain of support delivered by coalition forces for the Hajj pilgrimage. This support was a vital link to ensuring the pilgrims were able to achieve the status of Hajji, which is what those who have completed the Hajj are referred as. The Flightline Security team is now awaiting the return flights from Mecca between early December through early January.