820th BDG celebrates 15 years

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jarrod Grammel
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Hundreds of Airmen gathered at Moody Air Force Base, March 16, to celebrate 15 years since the formation of the 820th Base Defense Group on March 17, 1997.

The 820th BDG traces its roots back to the start of Operation Safeside in 1966. Operation Safeside formed the experimental 1041st Security Police Squadron to test the tactics of active defense.

The successful application of these tactics at Phu Cat Air Base, Vietnam, resulted in the formation of the 82d Combat Security Police Wing. The 821st, 822d and 823d Combat Security Police Squadrons were formed under the 82d CSPW and all deployed to Phan Rang Air Base, Vietnam.

Today's 820th BDG Airmen use the similar tactics as their predecessors, training hard and using active defense when downrange.

The 820th BDG started the day with their high-intensity "Sergeant Rock" physical training session and a three-mile run. After PT, the ceremony kicked off with a few words from U.S. Air Force Col. Randal Richert, 820th BDG commander. He spoke about the importance of airfield defense as well as the history and future of the 820th BDG.

"This anniversary reminds us of those who came before us," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Speaks, 820th Combat Operations Squadron NCO in charge of medical logistics. "It's important to know where they came from and what they did. I think with knowledge of the past we can better understand what we do now."

To honor their predecessors, the 820th BDG unveiled a 22-foot Safeside tab that will be mounted on the rappel tower, easily visible to people passing by. Each Airman signed their name and a short message on the back of the tab.

"We want to remind folks where we came from and celebrate that heritage," said 2nd Lt. Rudolph McIntyre, 823rd Base Defense Squadron flight commander. "It is also a great opportunity to get everyone together to build camaraderie.

"This is a one-of-a-kind unit," he added. "The 820th BDG is the only security forces unit that trains year round to deploy. We are a quick-reaction force that brings 12 different Air Force specialty codes together. Every day these guys are here, they should take advantage of the training opportunities, and take pride in being part of the best and only base defense group."