Success for Security Forces at Guam exercise

As many in the RNZAF were either winding up for the humanitarian aid and disaster relief season or winding down for Christmas, the United States’ Andersen Air Force Base in Guam was winding up for exercises Pacific Defender and Cope North 25.

Pacific Defender is a three-week long exercise, where there is an exchange of subject matter expertise in airbase defence tactics, techniques, and procedures. Late last year the RNZAF’s Security Forces unit was invited to take part by Commander 36th Wing Brigadier General Thomas Palenske. 

The team of six personnel set off into a lot of unknowns determined to build on the positive work done by previous teams. This year though, there were a myriad of changes to the exercise size and scope, which left us feeling very much back at square one in terms of what to expect.

The team arrived at Northwest Field, a satellite camp to Andersen Air Force Base, and were housed in 60-person dormitories, no hot water, and no trusty air conditioner to stay the tropical heat.

The team was hosted by 736 Security Forces Squadron and underwent a series of exchanges covering security technology, combative techniques, small team tactics and urban operations, and a range day.

Following the skills exchanges, the 36 Contingency Response Group spurred into action to conduct their own field training exercise - using an entire spare airfield that they have available for training. 

The exercise sought to confirm skills for the seizure, opening and security of an airfield. It included a full detachment of combat support trades alongside Security Forces, including air movements, communications, technicians and real-time airlift operations to-and-from the newly opened airfield. If that wasn't enough they even had dedicated opposing forces making full use of small arms and pyrotechnics to simulate threat elements and put defenders to the test.

While it’s easy to doubt ourselves from the bottom of the world - our aviators performed exceptionally with the fire team falling within the top 10% of all shooting evolutions. Sergeant Callum Hill, and Aircraftman Amber Barclay-Williams were then recognised formally by the United States Air Force (USAF) command for superior performance in the field exercise.

The exercise was an overwhelming success with our team all having uniquely experienced a full forward operating base defence against a dedicated opposing force, supporting real airlift operations. The scale to which the USAF achieved this was beyond what any of us had experienced in our careers - and was a promising peek through the looking glass as we look toward Exercise Astra.

Through the efforts of our team, follow on invitations were extended by USAF to an international Skill-at-arms competition in May, and upcoming exercises throughout the year, providing more opportunities for the Air Force to work with partners and develop its combat readiness.

Commander 36 Congtingency Response Group also initiated the process to conduct a reciprocal visit to New Zealand with their staff. He said it was for key leadership engagement, but I know it's really because I promised him a Flight Lieutenant patch.