Defending missiles, families, and everything in between

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Mikayla Gomez
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  

When there’s something wrong in your neighborhood, who you gonna call?

If it is a neighborhood within F.E. Warren Air Force Base, the 90th Security Forces Squadron will be the first to respond. Echo Flight of the 90th SFS in particular takes pride in their training, regularly goes above and beyond their call of duty, and supports the 90th Missile Wing in numerous ways. Echo Flight leadership ensures the mission is done well by investing in their Airmen.

Master Sgt. Jarrod Williford, 90th SFS Echo flight chief, said the mission of the entire 90th SFS has two primary facets: security and law enforcement. They provide security for the whole base and its nuclear assets held in the weapons storage area.

“Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, we’re going to have the capability to defend with overwhelming fire any type of threat that’s posed to the WSA,” said Williford.

The squadron controls distracted driving, stops drunk drivers, and responds to calls quickly. They patrol the base, and check on buildings and the housing areas.

"We combat threats in order to make sure the base is safe for everyone who lives and works here. Even simple things like texting and driving could harm others,” said 2nd Lt. Alex Poulos, 90th SFS Echo flight commander.

In order to defend the base so vigilantly, Airmen in Security Forces undergo a great deal of training. Poulos and Williford ensure their flight remains combat ready at all times. This is accomplished through continuous training of various kinds, including weapons qualifications, vehicle training, and flight exercises.

“We don’t let anyone get rusty,” said Poulos. “In addition to the mandatory training, it’s my goal to facilitate additional flight training exercises as often as I can.”

Poulos goes beyond the required amount of training and plans intense, hands-on training exercises to put his flight to the test. For one exercise, he and a few other Airmen set up a mock protest outside the WSA.

“We handcuffed ourselves to each other, held big signs protesting nukes, and I used a megaphone. We even had mock reporters roll in,” said Poulos. “We test how they respond and then huddle up afterwards to discuss lessons learned. It’s up to Sergeant Williford and me to make sure the flight is well-trained.”

It takes a lot of time and effort to keep their flight trained and sharp. However, they say the most important thing they can do for their Airmen is invest in them.  Poulos said that is his most important job because his Airmen are the ones who provide security for everything on base.

“A big part of my job is making them feel like their job is important and helping them understand the significance of it,” said Poulos. “It’s important to me and the mission to ensure morale is high.”

This important aspect of the job is very rewarding for both Poulos and Williford.

“I love seeing an Airman succeed,” Williford said. “Helping them set their goals and then seeing them get there is the most rewarding. The time I spend with them is a good investment; they’re the future of our Air Force.”

As for Poulos, the most rewarding part of being a flight commander is the opportunity to have a positive impact on his Airmen.

“The ability to influence a lot of people and treat them the way they should be treated is definitely a great experience,” Poulos said. “As a flight commander, I emphasize mentorship. My main goal is to make sure the Airmen are taken care of at work and in their personal lives.”

Airman First Class Taylor Kelly, 90th SFS Installation Entry Controller, can attest to his flight leadership’s attentiveness.

“Sergeant Williford has been a great influence by inspiring me to get the education I need to pursue the career I’m interested in. Lieutenant Poulos granted me emergency leave even when the unit was very undermanned, which allowed me to be with my family during a hard time,” said Kelly. “My flight’s morale is remarkably high because of our leadership. They inspire us to strive for excellence in all we do.”

Just as the leaders of Echo Flight are there for their Airmen, Williford said his flight will always be there for the people of F.E. Warren—any day, any time.