Wing Phoenix Raven Team Deploys to Panama

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Paul Duquette
  • 163d Reconnaissance Wing
Two members of the 163d Reconnaissance Wing (RW) returned home December 16, after deploying for 10 days to Tucuman, Panama, supporting the 139th Airlift Wing (AW), St. Joseph, Mo. The members are part of a special security forces team called Phoenix Ravens.

According to Raven Squad Leader Master Sgt. Thomas Hill, the members of the 139th AW were there to provide valuable medical training to the Panamanians.

For Raven team members, Sergeant Hill and Tech. Sgt. Albino Bascon, one objective they must complete every mission is to provide force protection for the aircrew and their resources. Ravens are required in areas of high threat levels or in a state-side area that has no security readily available. This mission was a first for Sergeant Bascon, but not for Sergeant Hill who has been on several Raven missions.

The Raven operate in teams of four, so they can perform two shifts of 12 hours, two members on and two off. The 139th AW provided the other two Ravens for this mission.
Traditionally, Raven training is only available to security forces members under the Air Mobility Command (AMC), but Sergeant Bascon completed his training after receiving a waiver, granting him access to the course. Sergeant Hill completed his training while the 163d RW was under the AMC.

The Phoenix Raven course is a total force program held at Fort Dix, New Jersey. The course itself is split between classroom material, physical training and simulated scenarios. The training is an intense three weeks, during which members are taught a variety of fighting styles, and techniques to include ground fighting, grappling, handcuffing and restraint moves.

"During the scenario training, they teach us how to handle any situation that might occur in or around the plane," said Sergeant Hill, "Essentially, we're taught how to be air marshals." 

"They teach us how to verbally handle a situation with people as well," said Sergeant Bascon, "We would rather defuse the situation with words, because the last thing we want to do is use deadly force."