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| 13th Security Forces Squadron | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | 13th Security Forces Squadron |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Type | Security Forces |
| Role | Base defense, law enforcement, force protection |
| Command structure | 11th Wing |
| Garrison | Joint Base Andrews |
13th Security Forces Squadron
The 13th Security Forces Squadron provides force protection and installation security at Joint Base Andrews, supporting operations for the President of the United States, Air Mobility Command, and visiting units such as the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, United States Coast Guard, and allied contingents. The squadron integrates with tenant organizations including the Air National Guard, Civil Air Patrol, Defense Intelligence Agency, and host wing elements to enforce installation access control, conduct antiterrorism measures, and coordinate with local partners like the Prince George's County Police Department, Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, and federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The unit’s primary mission encompasses physical security for high-value assets including Air Force One, protection of flight line operations at Joint Base Andrews, and law enforcement functions across the installation, working alongside Secret Service protective details, Transportation Security Administration elements, and Defense Logistics Agency security personnel. Responsibilities include explosive ordnance disposal coordination with U.S. Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal, antiterrorism force protection, critical infrastructure protection for facilities used by Department of Defense leadership, and support to contingency operations with units from United States Northern Command and United States Southern Command.
Established as a security element under earlier iterations of the Air Force security community, the squadron traces lineage through reorganizations tied to the creation of Air Force Security Forces and broader force protection reforms following incidents such as the Khobar Towers bombing and policies like the Goldwater-Nichols Act. Over time it supported historic operations including Operation Desert Shield, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing flight line security for transient aircraft from NATO allies and coalition partners such as United Kingdom Armed Forces, Canadian Armed Forces, and Australian Defence Force. The squadron adapted following base realignments influenced by the Base Realignment and Closure Commission and integrated capabilities in response to homeland events including Hurricane Katrina relief efforts and national security crises involving Presidential movements.
Organizationally aligned under the 11th Wing, the squadron comprises multiple flights including law enforcement, resource protection, military working dog, and investigations elements that coordinate with higher echelons like Air Combat Command and Pacific Air Forces when tasked. Leadership typically mirrors Air Force structure with a squadron commander holding a rank equivalent to Lieutenant Colonel and senior enlisted advisors such as a Command Chief Master Sergeant, who liaises with wing leadership, tenant commanders from 3rd Wing and partner service commanders, and agencies including the Department of Homeland Security for interagency missions.
The squadron conducts permanent party operations at Joint Base Andrews and rotational deployments supporting expeditionary security squadrons in theaters overseen by United States Central Command, United States European Command, and United States Africa Command. Past deployments placed personnel at forward operating bases during Operation Freedom's Sentinel and partner-nation exercises like BALTOPS and Operation Crimson Fist, collaborating with units from Royal Air Force, French Air and Space Force, and German Air Force for integrated base defense exercises. Domestic operations include support to national special events coordinated with the United States Secret Service during presidential inaugurations and contingencies involving NORAD and the National Capital Region defense architecture.
Personnel complete foundational training at Security Forces Training Center, where courses cover use of force policy, firearms training at ranges certified to Department of Defense standards, nonlethal capabilities, and Combat Arms proficiency. Advanced qualifications include military working dog certification with instructors from the Department of the Air Force Office of Safety, explosive detection training aligned with Transportation Security Administration protocols, and investigative training in partnership with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Professional development pathways lead to attendance at schools like the United States Air Force Academy outreach programs, Air University distance education, and joint courses hosted by National Defense University.
The squadron employs standard Security Forces equipment including M4 carbine, M9 pistol, less-lethal tools, military working dogs, and armored vehicles for patrol and response, interoperable with aviation assets such as UH-1N Iroquois and CV-22 Osprey when coordinating airlift or medevac security. Facilities include hardened entry control points, vehicle barriers compliant with Unified Facilities Criteria, armories meeting DoD Ammunition Supply Point standards, and training ranges for marksmanship and tactics, co-located with base assets like the Airfield Operations complex and Aerospace Maintenance hangars.
The squadron’s personnel have received unit and individual awards including Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Meritorious Service Medal recognitions, and citations for support to operations alongside Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed missions. Insignia elements reflect heritage from Air Force Security Police and broader United States Air Force heraldry, with unit patches displayed on dress uniforms and flight suits during joint operations with partners such as United States Secret Service Uniformed Division and allied protective services.
Category:Squadrons of the United States Air Force