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Vandenberg defenders gear-up for deployment

  • Published
  • By 030313
Twelve Vandenberg defenders are scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan after family and friends say their farewells at the Security Forces Squadron building here at 3:30 a.m. Sunday.

The Airmen range between Airman First Class to Technical Sergeant, and are all part of Vandenberg's 560-strong Security Forces Squadron.

"Having the largest deployment numbers in the Air Force for Security Forces has its challenges, but the members of this unit understand that when their number is called to go, they go and take care of business," said Lt. Col. Gerald Mulhollen, 30th Security Forces Squadron commander. " We do our best to also take care of the family and friends left behind, our key spouse program is strong thanks to the spouses that volunteer their time to make sure the home front is taken care of so that our defenders down range can focus on the mission and come home to us safe."

Time is slated for Airmen to say goodbye to friends and family before boarding a bus to begin their journey down range. Two Vandenberg police vehicles will provide flashing lights and a final escort off base.

"Deployment departures are always emotional times for our Airmen and their families," said Senior Master Sgt. Michael Young, 30th Security Forces Squadron Logistics superintendent. "But it is also a time of great pride; this is where Vandenberg's defenders take the fight to the enemy, on the ground, and face to face."

Vandenberg's Security Forces Squadron is one of the largest in the Air Force
with nearly 600 Airmen securing and defending 100,000 acres of land.

"Our mission includes providing forces to the Combatant Commanders on-time, properly equipped, and trained to seamlessly make an immediate contribution to the deployed mission," said 1st Lt. Johnathan Miranda, 30th Security Forces Squadron Logistics and Resources officer. "We see anywhere from 100 to 200 Airmen deployed in a year, so it is a challenge we embrace."

All base personnel and their families are invited to attend the send-off ceremony at 3:30 a.m. Sunday.

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Note to Editors:
Media interested in attending this event must contact 2nd Lt. Kaylee Ausbun at 805-606-3595 or by e-mail at Kaylee.Ausbun@us.af.mil by noon Friday. A media escort will depart the Vandenberg Main Gate Visitor's Center for the event Sunday at 3:00 a.m.