627th SFS wins AMC 2014 Outstanding Security Forces Small Unit of the Year

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rebecca Blossom
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  Each year, Air Mobility Command recognizes small, medium, and large-sized security forces squadrons from across the major command as outstanding units.

The 627th Security Forces Squadron located on McChord Field, a "total-force" integrated unit that works to protect JBLM's population of more than 100,000 personnel and families, has won the 2014 award for AMC Outstanding Security Forces Small Unit, and it's their second year in a row being honored as such.

The unit, which protects $10.8 billion worth of aircraft and JBLM's $20 billion joint military complex, has made strides at home and abroad, supporting world-wide deployments despite their small size.

"The accomplishments of this unit from last year are nothing short of amazing," said Maj. Bernard Sprute, 627th SFS commander. "We are a small unit, but our capabilities are huge and our impact is strategic."

That impact is as close to home as JBLM, and reaches as far as Africa and Iraq.

Members of the 627th SFS were part of the first Ebola response forces in Liberia.

"They left their footprint while deploying to the front lines of the Air Force's efforts in Iraq and Africa to combat the threatening ascent of ISIS and the deadly outbreak of the Ebola virus," said Col. Tony Davit, 627th Air Base Group commander.

"The Defenders of the 627th SFS have indeed proven themselves," he said.

While the small size of the 627th SFS hasn't held them back from succeeding, their manpower reductions have changed the unit's operations, requiring them to work together with the larger JBLM authorities.

"This unit has adapted to the joint-base environment with astounding resiliency," said Davit.

Along with their achievements overseas, the unit provides world-class weapons system security to JBLM, and their Phoenix Raven team provides airlift resource protection.

After receiving such a distinctive honor, what's next for the unit?

"The Defenders of the 627th SFS are extremely proud and look forward to competing at the Air Force level next month," said Sprute.