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The ‘300’ of the 64th AEG provide world-class base defense

  • Published
  • By Capt. Teresa Sullivan
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Airmen of the 64th Air Expeditionary Group's "300" provide world class base defense displaying a Spartan warrior spirit at a remotely located base assigned to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing. 

The group is made up of about 300 security forces, support Airmen and civilians. Their mission is to stand guard all day, everyday providing integrated defense, emergency response and combat support for the base, which houses military and host-nation tenant agencies. 

The 64th AEG traces its roots back to World War II when it was designated as the 64th Troop Carrier Group where their mission was to drop paratroopers and tow gliders via C-47 in the areas of North Africa, Sicily, Italy, South France, China, Burma and India. Their mission has evolved to what it is today, standing up as a group in January of 2006.
This tight-knit pack, known as the "300," can be described as blue collar, nose-to-the-grindstone Airmen, similar to the Spartans of Ancient Greece and its ultimate fighters who fought a vast Persian army in 480 B.C, according to Col. Keith Moncrief, 64th Air Expeditionary Group commander. The fiercely disciplined Airmen take their jobs seriously and spend most of their days defending the base in heat over 100 degrees. 

"This is the most energized group of Airmen on the planet and I'm glad to be here. My two squadron commanders are Airmen of extremely strong character and are relentless in their pursuit of excellence," said the colonel when describing his group and what motivates them. "This group embodies the 'small team' leadership of the technical sergeants and below. The '300' Spartans of the 64th AEG wouldn't have rocked AEF 7/8 without that." 

The group recently adopted their mantra from the movie "300" when the colonel took command and recognized strong team-forging tenants displayed in the film. 

"The Spartan unity, fit-to-fight mandate, warrior spirit and ability to face danger embody our team here at the 64th," said 1st Lt. Steven Payne, 64th AEG executive officer. "The concept is a good fit for us because we have about 300 Airmen who will do what it takes to defend our terrain in our narrow little spot in the world." 

The group spends their time supporting and defending the base along with honing their skills to keep them sharp. During a recent visit by Brig. Gen. Charlie Lyon, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, the 64th AEG demonstrated their capabilities during a base defense exercise. The exercise began on queue when the Base Defense Operations Center was notified of a possible situation. Immediately, the group's security forces and Cobra Team, or quick reaction force, responded to a mock perpetrator strapped with explosives who crossed into the wire and hid inside a building. The QRF, comparable to a SWAT team, responded by breaching the building with force quickly determining explosive ordnance disposal assistance was necessary. EOD Airmen then carefully wheeled in an EOD robot to safely disarm the perpetrator. Within minutes, they apprehended the suspect and the situation was neutralized efficiently and effectively. 

"You're about strength.You're about deterrence. You're one of the hardest targets in the theater and you do it with your professionalism and vigilance," said General Lyon to the base defenders. "Every base would love to have you guarding it. You represent the most professional force with the highest of standards." 

When the work day is done these hard-working battlefield Airmen take advantage of opportunities to get fit, pursue education and relax. 

The 64th AEG's fitness tents have recently been refurbished with new equipment to accommodate a wide variety of workout preferences to include free-weights, cardiovascular machines, spinning bicycles, road bikes, exercise mats and balls and 
strength machines. 

The learning resource center program is comparable to that of a stateside base, boasting the highest career developmental course average in the area of responsibility. 

When the Airmen aren't exercising or studying, they can relax at the Desert Lounge where they play darts, pool, horse shoes, Texas Hold'em, nine-ball and listen to jazz, Latino and rhythm and blues music. Other pastimes for the "300" team includes Sony Playstation, X-box 360 and movies. This is due in large part to the 64th Expeditionary Support Squadron librarian, recreation, fitness and services NCO-in-charge, Staff Sgt. Kathy Cruz. Like most Airmen of the 64th, she juggles more than one job and takes ownership in her duties, said MSgt. Tony Hanshaw, 64th AEG first sergeant. 

"Sergeant Cruz takes a lot of pride in what she does," said the Airman deployed from Patrick Air Force Base, Fla. "She's one of those people where you say, 'what about ...'and she's already done it last week." 

Sergeant Cruz is responsible for maintaining the group's collection of library books and movies, the fitness tents, recreation equipment and services activities. 

"Having good morale is important because it helps everyone stay focused on the mission," said Sergeant Cruz, who is based out of Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. "We overhauled the fitness and recreation facilities and now we have a lot more participation. People are happy here and more of a family." 

Whether it's defending the base, studying career development courses, working out or taking time to relax, the "300" of the 64th Air Expeditionary Group get the mission accomplished every day. 

"We are at war and we're all in a combat zone," said General Lyon to the Airmen of the group. "Some of you have deployed before and some of you will deploy again. What I can tell you is that you are the hardest target there is. Because you can put your head down at night without fear or danger, means that you've done your job."