Defenders from the 325th Security Forces Squadron patrol the coastline around Tyndall Jan. 26, in the Valor Class North River Boat. The new boats will advance the 325th SFS provide force protection to 128 miles of shoreline in support of 325th Fighter Wing and 30 associate units. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Solomon Cook/Released)
02/17/16 – TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — Tyndall residents are familiar with the members of the 325th Security Forces Squadron who guard the base at the gates and in patrol cars. But what they may not know about this group of professionals is that they are also charged with protecting the base by sea.
The section of security forces tasked with patrolling the seas is the 325th SFS community police. This section is staffed by active-duty Airman and civilians who conduct daily boat patrols, in addition to their land-based duties of patrolling and community outreach activities.
The 325th Security Forces Squadron recently procured new boats to augment its mission of resource protection and antiterrorism for the 29,000-acre base with 128 miles of shoreline that are home to the 325th Fighter Wing and 30 associate units.
After Air Combat Command provided Tyndall additional funds for maritime operations, the 325th SFS purchased the Valor Class North River Boats — ideal for the professionals of the 325th SFS community police.
“Prior to getting these boats we had repurposed fishing vessels,” said Staff Sgt. Brandon Williams, 325th SFS NCO in charge of police services. The new boats were designed for law enforcement maritime patrols. “The Valor model vessel is a 29-foot, aluminum hulled, radar equipped, closed cabin boat with twin 225 horsepower engines.”
Williams said the last time the community police acquired boats was in 2009.
The new boats are better suited for the security mission because they capable of longer patrols than the old boats.
“The new additions of an actual closed cabin patrol boats allow the section to spend longer periods of time conducting their patrols. These new vessels provide Tyndall enhanced all-weather maritime capabilities,” Williams said.
With this new equipment, the professionals of the 325th SFS will continue to protect the residents of Tyndall from enemies foreign and aquatic.
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Published February 17, 2016
Defenders from the 325th Security Forces Squadron patrol the coastline around Tyndall Jan. 26, in the Valor Class North River Boat. The new boats will advance the 325th SFS provide force protection to 128 miles of shoreline in support of 325th Fighter Wing and 30 associate units. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Solomon Cook/Released)
