NDANG unit activated at MAFB to support missile security

  • Published
  • By Maj. Elizabeth Ortiz
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  A North Dakota Air National Guard detachment located on base was officially recognized as the 219th Security Forces Squadron during an activation ceremony in Dock 9 here Oct. 18.

"We're bringing together two outstanding organizations (NDANG and Minot AFB) in an outstanding partnership," said N.D. Gov. John Hoeven, who officiated the ceremony. "We look forward to continuing this great partnership and build the mission. This means good things for the military and for the defense of our nation."

The 219th SFS activation marked the culmination of an effort spanning more than 10 years to enable missile-ready Airmen in the ANG to provide missile security in support of an active-duty organization: the 91st Missile Wing.

"The citizen soldiers of the Air Guard will provide a new level of experience and continuity," wrote N.D. Sen. Byron Dorgan in a letter congratulating the N.D. National Guard on the activation. "At a time when the threat of nuclear terrorism is rising, the capabilities you bring to Team Minot are a tremendous plus for the base and for our national security."

A first of its kind in the United States, the 219th SFS is fully integrated within the 91st Security Forces Group here. Guardsmen train and serve alongside active-duty personnel in all aspects of missile security operations.

"I am extremely proud of this monumental and historic accomplishment," said Maj.
Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, N.D. adjutant general. "The total-force concept of integrating active duty with the Guard is the future platform for conducting military operations and that's exactly what we are doing.

"The opportunities and capabilities available to us are unlimited," the general added. "These are the people (219th SFS) who are going to lead the nation in this mission."

Organizationally, the 219th SFS is attached to the 119th Wing, the Air Guard base located in Fargo, N.D. Once fully staffed, the squadron will be the largest SFS in the entire ANG.

"We're picking only the best of the best to serve at Minot providing a baseline of experience and incredible capability," said Col. Robert Becklund, 119th WG commander. "This mission is nothing but good for everyone involved. We're glad to be here."

To symbolize the 219th SFS's activation, Governor Hoeven unfurled the unit flag during the ceremony and passed it to General Sprynczynatyk; who passed the flag to Colonel Becklund; who, in turn, passed the flag to Lt. Col. Tad Schauer, 219th SFS commander.

"We look forward to a long-standing partnership with Team Minot," said Colonel Schauer.

The ANG-Air Force partnership activated here may spread to Grand Forks AFB, N.D., next - where a similar effort is under way.

"I am confident the concept will soon become a model for other bases across the Air Force," wrote N.D. Sen. Kent Conrad in a letter congratulating the N.D. National Guard on the activation.

The 219th SFS began recruiting to fill the unit's 140 new positions in July 2007, as a detachment of the 119th WG. To date, half the positions have been filled.

"This is an historic moment as we integrate North Dakota Air National Guard security forces into the nuclear enterprise," said Col. Chris Ayres, 91st MW commander. "To have the 219th Security Forces Squadron help secure our nation's strategic arsenal shows how the Air National Guard is clearly committed to supporting the Air Force's most immediate priority.

"I am truly excited to have the 219th serve as a critical part of the 91st Missile Wing's mission to conduct perfect ICBM operations, security and maintenance," the wing commander added.