"Protect Who? ... Protect You!"
The battle cry of the 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron reflects their worldwide mission -- to provide unequaled force protection for special operations. Approximately 270 security force members provide physical security, entry control, armed response and police services to Hurlburt Field, Florida.
They also deploy around the globe to defend Air Force Special Operations Command resources and troops in support of the 1st Special Operations Wing and United States Special Operations Command missions. This unique unit also operates one of the busiest small arms ranges in the Air Force, providing combat arms training and maintenance to Hurlburt Field, Eglin AFB and Duke Field.
Lineage
Constituted 1016th Guard Squadron on July 27, 1942. Activated on Aug. 14, 1942. Disbanded on March 31, 1944. Reconstituted and redesignated 16th Security Police Squadron on July 31, 1985. Consolidated (Oct. 1, 1993) with the 1st Special Operations Security Police Squadron, which was constituted on Feb. 23, 1993. Activated on March 24, 1993. Redesignated 16th Security Police Squadron on Oct. 1, 1993; 16th Security Forces Squadron on July 1, 1997; 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron, Nov. 16, 2006.
Assignments
Air Transport Command, Aug. 14, 1942-March 31, 1944. 1st Special Operations Support (later, 16th Support, later 16th Mission Support) Group, March 24,1993-Nov. 15, 2006. 1st Special Operations Mission Support Group, Nov. 16, 2006-.
Stations
Las Vegas, N.M., Aug. 14, 1942-March 31, 1944. Eglin Air Force Auxiliary Airfield #9 (Hurlburt Field), Florida, March 24, 1993-.
Honors
- Service streamers
- World War II American Theater
- 2012 AFSOC Outstanding Medium Security Forces Unit
Decorations
- Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device
- June 1, 1997-May 31, 1999
- July 1, 2003-June 30, 2005
- July 1, 2005-June 30, 2007
Meritorious Unit
- July 1, 2007-June 19, 2009
- Oct. 1, 2009-Sept. 30, 2011
Air Force Outstanding Unit
- March 24, 1993-April 15, 1994
- June 1, 1995-May 31, 1997
- July 1, 1999-June 30, 2001
- July 1, 2001-June 30, 2003
Emblem Significance
Blue represents the sky, the primary theater of Air Force operations. Yellow signifies the sun and the excellence required of Air Force personnel. The white winged dagger depicts the prime wartime function of the Security Forces, air base ground defense. The charge also represents the unit's historical association with Special Operations. The yellow lightning bolts symbolize the dual functions of home station and deployed locations service to the parent organization. The olive branch denotes the peacekeeping function of all security forces.
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