News

COVID-19: Defenders stay ready, resilient while protecting base

Story & photos by Senior Airman Kristof Rixmann
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
April 2, 2020
U.S. Air Force Airman Ethan Myers (right), 86th Security Forces member, participates in guard mount before taking post on Ramstein Air Base, March 24. The purpose of the guard mount is to take accountability, as well as pass on all pertinent and up-to-date information regarding COVID-19.

The 86th Security Forces Squadron recently implemented preventative measures to protect Defenders from potential exposure to the coronavirus disease 2019 while they maintain normal operations on Ramstein Air Base, March 24.

The measures are evident upon approaching any entry point to Ramstein.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Robyn Thayer, 86th Security Forces Squadron patrolman, verifies an individual’s ID before granting them access to Ramstein Air Base, March 24. In light of the COVID-19, 86th SFS Defenders are no longer making physical contact with the IDs as they once had. Instead, they scan IDs from a minimum of 1.5 meters away, and wear gloves as an extra layer of protection.

Defenders from the 86th SFS now wear protective gloves and maintain a one-meter distance from the stream of ID cardholders who pass through the gates at all times of the day.

Ramstein Defenders also take preventative measures before taking their post.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Jeffrey Griffith, 86th Security Forces Squadron operations superintendent, and Tech. Sgt. Andrey Shimko, 86th SFS patrolman, conduct a perimeter check using All Terrain Vehicles on Ramstein Air Base, March 24. The ATVs are a necessary component for patrols on Ramstein because they provide access to otherwise hard-to-reach places.

“As personnel arm up, we used to have all three windows to the armory open. We’ve since closed the middle window so personnel are able to maintain their social distancing as they arm up,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Mike Alberty, 86th SFS flight chief. “We’re practicing different ways to implement social distancing. We rotate personnel a little more now to increase social distancing.”

Should a Defender fall ill at any time, they will be advised to take quarters immediately and call the COVID-19 hotline should their symptoms worsen.

Another opportunity Defenders are taking is to use guard mount to pass on critical COVID-19 information.

U.S. Air Force Airman Ethan Myers (right), 86th Security Forces member, verifies and authenticates the safety of a Defender’s weapon on Ramstein Air Base, March 24. Myers acts as an extra set of eyes at this arm-up station to further minimize firearm mishaps.

“The purpose of the guard mount is to take accountability, pass on all pertinent, up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 or anything else necessary to know,” said Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Pontieri, 86th SFS flight sergeant. “We ensure they’re familiar with the duress words, emergency response numbers, and ensure every Airmen is mentally and physically fit to take their post. During COVID-19, we’re taking steps to minimize the Airmen’s exposure to the virus. Primarily, the guard mount is now conducted outside, and each Airman stands at a minimum two-meter distance from one another.”

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Mike Alberty, 86th Security Forces Squadron flight chief, briefs Airmen during a guard mount on Ramstein Air Base, March 24. In light of the COVID-19, the 86th SFS are taking extra precautions to minimize potential exposure as they maintain normal operations.

Leadership recognizes how stressful this time may be but are impressed by their Defenders’ professionalism and dedication to duty.

“These Airmen are killing it and they know it too,” Pontieri said. “I think they feel a certain level of respect and pride right now. While many are teleworking, they’re out here jobbing it and loving it.”

In a time of uncertainty, the 86th SFS can be relied upon day in and day out.

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