Hawks in a glass box

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stephanie Morris
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Birds of prey are known for their keen eyesight, cunning hunting skills and razor sharp talons.

They circle their quarry from the sky waiting for the opportune moment to strike. Viewing their nesting grounds from above, they're the pinnacle of aerial might in their chosen habitat and they guard their nest with a penalty of death for all who dare to trespass.

Much like a hawk, 91st Missile Wing Missile Security Forces Squadron flight security controllers keep watch over their area of responsibility; from a glass encapsulated room filled with monitors they're able to see every area of their Missile Alert Facility.

On watch 24/7/365, FSCs are one of the first lines of defense for personnel and property residing inside the MAF.

"My mission is to control entry and exit to all launch facilities, MAF's, and the security control center within my assigned flight area," said Senior Airman Jessica Flores, 91st Missile Wing Missile Security Forces Squadron flight security controller. "I also immediately dispatch armed security response force members to any security incident or alarm activation."

Flores' day begins at approximately 4 p.m. when she wakes up to begin work on the night shift. Once she has dressed and moved her equipment to the security control center, she and the day shift FSC will conduct change-over and relay any pass-on tasks and information.

After reviewing her daily reports and making sure the information is correct, she's then responsible for checking dispatches for maintenance personnel or visitors to the MAF to ensure all their information is accurate and documented.

Once done, she prepares for the launch control officers or "capsule crew" to arrive. During this time she's watchful of maintenance or security checks that need to be completed.

After capsule crew members have been processed downstairs and have conducted their change-over with the previous crew, the rest of the day depends on scheduled maintenance and any unplanned events.

Much like her other security forces counterparts, Flores and her secondary FSC are equipped with their weapon and protective gear.

"With my vest, including extra magazines, and my weapons, I would have to say I carry about 40 pounds of gear," said Staff Sgt. William Fraas, 91st MSFS FSC.

Along with being one of the first lines of defense for the MAF, they're also charged with keeping in contact with both capsule crew members below ground and maintenance officials topside.

"There's a lot of multitasking so you really have to pay attention to the details of what you are doing," Flores said.

A flurry of events can all occur at once, especially if alarms sound during communications between above ground personnel and the launch control officers below.

Though the duties of an FSC can be demanding, Flores and Fraas are able to find a multitude of things they enjoy about their work.

"I feel the mission is extremely important, and I enjoy that I play a vital role in that mission," Fraas said. His sentiments were echoed by his partner who also cited the presence of a strong 'one team, one fight' mentality.

"I feel like our flight is a whole lot closer because of the fact that we spend the night out here with each other," Flores said. "It makes it easier for us to rely on one another and if I had to pick a favorite part of my job, that would be it."

Just like a bird of prey, Flores and her counterpart Fraas are on constant alert for anyone or anything that crosses into their territory. However, unlike a hawk, they have a highly trained, well equipped team at their disposal, ready to react, and if necessary, deliver swift and powerful suppressive force.