Homestead defenders nearing completion of 6-month deployment

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Erik Hofmeyer
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  (Editor's note: Approximately 40 members of the 482nd Security Forces Squadron are currently deployed to Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq, where they're maintaining the security of the installation for the thousands of personnel who operate from Kirkuk, Iraq. Maj. Harold Talbert and Staff Sgt. Chris Mulligan, 482nd SFS defenders, took some time to discuss their current assignment.)

How are you guys doing over there?

Major Talbert: We're all doing fine and morale is high. We have settled into our various routines of work and are taking it one day at a time. The process of improving the defense is never ending and we work constantly to improve it and anticipate possible threats. The troops understand this is the "real deal" and we all take our responsibilities and duties very seriously.

Sergeant Mulligan: Everyone is focused on the mission and though our role is sharply defined, we are playing an important part in returning Iraq to peace and stability. At the same time we are ensuring the security of our own country. That's something to feel good about.

How would you describe your mission?

Major Talbert: The Security Forces mission here at Kirkuk Regional Air Base (KRAB) is to ensure the integrity and security of the entire base perimeter, which is located in very close proximity to the City of Kirkuk, thus providing a safe and secure environment for all military and civilian personnel to live and work in. This is accomplished in a variety of ways to include observation towers, mobile patrols, UAVs, K-9, CPE (sniper) teams, and a myriad of electronic sensors and observation devices.

Sergeant Mulligan: Our mission is to provide security for the base and control entry onto the installation. This is very important because we not only provide protection for Air Force personnel but this is also a Forward Operating Base for the Army's 10th Mountain Division. There are also members of the U.S. State Department Provisional Reconstruction Teams, as well as numerous civilian contractors housed at Kirkuk Regional Air Base. Everyone sleeps a little better knowing that the Security Forces are keeping an eye on things.

Would you say this deployment has greatly enhanced the squadron's experience level?

Major Talbert: Absolutely, in fact for the majority of our troops this is their first deployment. The really interesting thing is how the reservists, who come from all walks of life and occupations, bring such a myriad of experiences, skills, and maturity to the fight. The Security Forces Defender in that observation tower or on mobile patrol may also be an electrician or police officer in his civilian career -- combinations of skill sets that may not be present in the regular (active duty) Air Force and truly benefit the overall mission.

Sergeant Mulligan: For many of us, myself included, this was our first deployment. There were a lot of unknowns but the experience here has certainly prepared us for any future deployments. You can practice and train but nothing compares to being here, operating in the elements and at the pace that operations here requires.

Do you work with members from other branches of the U.S. or Iraqi military?

Major Talbert: Kirkuk Regional Air Base is also known as FOB (forward operating base) Warrior and currently home to the 506th Air Expeditionary Group, the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division and the transitioning Iraqi Air Force. We, as Defenders, have frequent contact and interaction with our Army counterparts as they conduct mounted operations from the FOB and transition through our entry control points. We also provide a secure base for the Army and Iraqi Air Force to live on and to operate from.

Sergeant Mulligan: One of the great things about being assigned here is all the contact we have not only with other branches of the US armed forces, but with coalition forces, Iraqi forces, and local Iraqi nationals. Probably one of the most rewarding aspects of the deployment is getting to meet and interact with the Iraqi nationals coming on base.

Have you been receiving care packages?

Major Talbert: The generosity of groups such as Soroptimist International of Homestead and others have ensured we've received numerous care packages. It's difficult to convey in words how much it means to the troops to receive a package and to open it and find a little bit of home inside -- it's a real morale booster.

Sergeant Mulligan: The support for those of us deployed has been phenomenal. Family and friends, my co-workers at the Broward Sheriff's Office, as well as local civic organizations have all helped to keep spirits high with care packages, letters, and emails expressing their concerns and prayers. We have definitely not suffered from a shortage of comfort items. If it wasn't for the PT (physical training), I would probably have gained weight over here.

Is it hotter in Kirkuk or Homestead?

Major Talbert: Temperature wise it's hotter in Kirkuk but the heat and humidity of Miami definitely feels hotter. I never fully understood the meaning of "dry heat" until I came here - some days it's like standing in front of an open oven!

Sergeant Mulligan: Being a native Floridian, I've never been one for the cold so this isn't too bad. I'd actually have to say that although it's hot here, I prefer it to the Florida heat. I hate to say it, but "it's a dry heat." 104 degrees with forty percent humidity feels better than 90 degrees with eighty-seven percent humidity.

How's the food?

Major Talbert: The dining facility, or "chow hall", is incredible here! The choices are many and the food is very good. In fact, it you're not careful you can easily over eat. As good as it is though, it still doesn't compare to a home cooked meal or BBQ!

Sergeant Mulligan: There's plenty of food and the menu has everything from steak to chicken fingers so you can always find something to satisfy you. They also have a Burger King, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell here so if you get a hankering for fast food, it's almost like home.