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File: 111396_aacvu_04.txtpeople. There were several units that had no mobility commitment but were deployed or put on stand-by. Initial training was accomplished for these 200 people. Before each person got on the airplane to deploy, this office gave a local area chemical threat briefing on specific chemicals they might have to deal with. This was also an opportunity for personnel to ask any last minute questions they might have. There were usually lots of questions answered. Several special projects were worked during Desert Shield/Storm. Extensive research on the workability and effectiveness of United States chemical warfare equipment was done in response to various derogatory magazine articles and television spots. We were able to assure ourselves and our people that they were deploying with fully adequate equipment. Ultimately the detractors had to retract many of their allegations. Iraq's potential for nuclear and chemical warfare required extra train- ing of local maintenance personnel on aircraft decontamination as well as discussions about how to protect personnel aboard the aircraft in the various nuclear or chemical environments. We submitted ten lessons learned, of which four were elevated to the Air Staff for review and possible implementation. CIVIL ENGINEERING The 2852 Civil Engineering Squadron played a support role in the deployment of personnel from Air Base Group and other base activities. Support pro- vided was: Chemical protective equipment and weapons were issued to deploying mem- bers of other organizations; and the installation was kept operational in order that the Air Logistics Center could continue to surge during and following the December 1990 - January 1991 deep freeze which occurred in Northern California. In summary, members of the Civil Engineering Squadron were trained, equipped and ready to perform wartime duties, but in the absence of the call to deploy, were honored to be able to provide the needed support to those called upon to deploy in support of Operation Desert Storm. SECURITY POLICE The 2852d Security Police Squadron was tasked to deploy two 13-man Contingency Support Elements (CSE) to the-Middle East. Upon notification the first CSE team was equipped and transported to Bahrain on 5 September 1990.- The second team departed on 15 January 1991 for Riyadh Air Base, Saudi Arabia. During the eight months they were assigned to the Middle East, the teams were responsible for internal security, controlling entry into restricted areas, and performing security for VIPs on and off the installation. They further established a Pass and Registration sec- tion to support identification requirements of all branches of service assigned to the installation. In addition, the CSEs worked with US Army, US Marines, and Bahrain/Saudi Defense Forces to protect A-10 and F-16 aircraft, provided security for the MAC terminal and Air Force tent city. They also protected and transported over 500 Iraqi Prisoners of War, and served as focal point for Anti-terrorism activities in their assigned areas. During the Desert Shield/Storm deployment, the squadron provided Combat Arms support for five local units and trained 500 personnel for Desert Shield deployment in under three weeks. They further conducted pre-embarkation weapons inspections for all deployed forces departing McClellan Air Force Base. The loan of weapons and ammunition was extended to all deploying units based on their mobility commitment. The 2852d SPS used over 40 Individual Mobilization Augmentees (IMAs) to backfill deployed CSE teams. IMAs were used in all squadron areas from operations to adminis- trative positions. Many IMAs volunteered their own time to assist during the serious manning shortage.
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