824th BDS deploys for first time since Camp Bucca closure

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nicholas Benroth
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The sound of boots hitting the ground and loading of planes was nothing new to the 824th Base Defense Squadron.

Members of the 824th BDS recently deployed again for approximately six months to support the ongoing mission in Iraq for the first time since the closure of Camp Bucca,Iraq, in 2009.

"Each time we deployed to Camp Bucca, it was a different mission and there was always something new," said Col. Randall Richert, 820th Base Defense Group commander. "This deployment will present a new challenge at a new place for our warriors."

One of the new challenges for the 824th BDS will be to mentor members of the Iraqi army.

"Although the squadron's mission is to provide a highly capable and responsive force to downrange expeditionary forces, the deployed members will also help the Iraqi army with the transition of taking control of the country," said Robert Lefever, 820th BDG deputy commander.

Airman 1st Class Jonathan Lomboy, 824th Base Defense Squadron fire team member, will be deploying for the for the first time and looks forward to tackling the new challenges.

"I am nervous yet excited to get the experience of a deployment," said Airman Lomboy.

Airman Lomboy along with other members of the 824th BDS make up one of four squadrons that fall under the 820th BDG. Each squadron has the capability to deploy at a moment's notice to anywhere in the world.

"Our squadrons include a handful of Air Force specialty codes ranging from security forces to personnel and communications," said Colonel Richert. "However, for this specific mission we will mainly provide security instead of what we've usually done during previous deployments."

The mission of the 820th BDG is to provide a "first-in", fully-integrated, self-sustaining force protection capability. The group maintains a high operational tempo to support cyclic rotations of deployment, on-call, and reconstitution/training status.

"Even though the mission they are performing isn't typical for them they will be a valuable addition to downrange capabilities," said Colonel Richert.