Last patrol made while rest pack up

SGT Nathan Hogg, left, of No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron, and US Senior Airman Sheridan Conklin were among personnel to conduct patrols at Baghdad International Airport during the ADGs’ time in the MEAO.

Photo by US Air Force

SIXTEEN months of hot and demanding security operations came to an end last month when the last Air Force Baghdad International Airport (BIAP) security patrol parked back inside the wire.

While the rest of the BIAP detachment was busy preparing for home, the No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron airfield defence guards remained on post on August 8 to ensure the cleaning and packing could occur in relative safety.

It was not until the BIAP detachment withdrew from the air traffic control complex that the ADGs could finally relax.

The Ground Defence Officer and Force Protection Section Commander, Squadron Leader Damion Fauser, said the Iraq deployment was an amazing and rewarding experience for each of the four rotations.

“In their time in BIAP, the ADGs have been able to exchange ideas and techniques with their coalition colleagues, forming strong bonds of mutual respect and friendship, and operating as professional equals,” SQNLDR Fauser said.

The CO of the Air Traffic Control Detachment, Wing Commander Neil Collie, praised the ADGs for their role.

“Force Protection Section mounted day and night patrols, often operating as part of combined patrols with ground defence and security forces from other coalition forces, and the ADGs became a welcome and valued part of the BIAP force protection team,” WGCDR Collie said.

He said the successful completion of the ATC Detachment’s operations at BIAP owed much to the Force Protection Section.

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