The sun rises over hilly fields casting warm rays on groups of Airmen gearing up to start their ruck march. Camelbaks slosh as team leaders remind everyone to hydrate in preparation for the competition.
The sun rises over hilly fields casting warm rays on groups of Airmen gearing up to start their ruck march. Camelbaks slosh as team leaders remind everyone to hydrate in preparation for the competition.
Airman 1st Class Leomar Perez, 890th Security Forces Squadron security forces Airman, fireman carries Airman 1st Class Jacob Boyett from the 890th Security Forces Squadron, along with two ammo cans during the Crow Creek Challenge, Sept. 6, 2019, at F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo. The obstacles seen throughout the day included heavy lifting, running and calisthenic exercises. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicole Reed)
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. (AFNS) —
The 90th Security Forces Group find themselves at the beginning of their annual Crow Creek Challenge, Sept. 6, at F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming. Over the course of the day, defenders would challenge themselves and each other, competing through physically strenuous and mentally-tasking obstacles.
The individual obstacles include fireman and litter carries, calisthenic exercises while wearing gas masks, a Humvee push, mock improvised explosive device searches and several more physical challenges.
“Each of the 14 stations (comprises) events that are exclusive to defenders and the mission we do. The knowledge and skill-set among the members will vary based on experience,” said Tech. Sgt. Heather Griffin, 90th Security Forces Group plans and programs noncommissioned officer in charge. “We have subject matter experts who run the stations and determine the difficulty (and) severity of the agility drill being conducted.”
F.E. Warren AFB members began the competition with high expectations, giving each other high fives and filling the air with excitement prior to the start of their first station.
“Our team is pretty strong and we are definitely the best out here,” said Staff Sgt. Jesse Koritar, 90th Ground Combat Training Squadron instructor.
Friendly competition between security forces squadrons is not the only intended outcome of the Crow Creek Challenge. Reflection, remembrance and honor given toward fallen defenders are frequently emphasized with each step taken.
At the beginning of each station, team leaders called everyone to gather around. All present fell silent as a tribute was read about one of their fallen brothers or sisters.
“Tech. Sgt. Joseph Lemm was killed Dec. 21, 2015, when a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden motorcycle into a joint patrol with Afghan security forces outside of Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan,” Staff Sgt. Kerrya Jones, 890th Security Forces Squadron security controller, read to his team members at the 13th obstacle.
The small group listened respectfully before jumping into the challenge dedicated to Lemm and the other Airmen who sacrificed their lives for their country.
The teams were ranked based on the best times and completion of each obstacle of the challenge.
As the event came to a close, competitors and onlookers cheered as the 90th Security Forces Squadron was announced as the winner of the Crow Creek Challenge.
By Senior Airman Nicole Reed, 90th Missile Wing / Published September 12, 2019
Security forces members from Team Guernsey show their strength during the Humvee push at the annual Crow Creek Challenge, Sept. 6, 2019, at F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo. They pushed the heavy vehicle down the intended path before reaching a small dip in the ground they had to overcome. After a brief moment of difficulty, they gave one final heave and got the vehicle over the small ditch to complete the task. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicole Reed)
Airman 1st Class Hannah Scott, 890th Security Forces Squadron security forces Airman, low crawls through the dirt and tall grass during the annual Crow Creek Challenge, Sept. 6, 2019, at F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo. When she reached the end of the line, she rose and fireman carried her teammate back across the field to complete the obstacle. The Crow Creek Challenge included many other physical activities that teams were expected to complete throughout the long day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicole Reed)
Airmen don their gas masks and complete a set of workouts to include overhead sandbag presses during the Crow Creek Challenge, Sept. 6, 2019, at F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo. The heavy bags were also used in other activities like a high-crawl bag toss and numerous calisthenic workouts. This obstacle was just one of many physical obstacles security forces members took part in during the challenge. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicole Reed)
