ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Airmen from the 824th Base Defense Squadron demonstrated their specialized defensive capabilities across the Indo-Pacific during a recent deployment to support the 11th Air Task Force, bringing with them a broad range of defensive skills, specialized training and the ability to operate in austere and rapidly changing environments.
The 824th BDS, aligned under the Base Defense Group at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, is structured to operate independently and secure everything from large installations to multiple contingency operating sites. Their mission set includes airborne insertions, air assault operations, airfield security assessments, mounted and dismounted patrolling, and command and control of defensive forces.
According to Master Sgt. Gregory Green, 824th BDS, Bravo Flight Chief, the 824th BDS’s unique structure is a major part of what separates them from traditional home-station Security Forces units.
“Each squadron contains security forces, intelligence, emergency management, engineering, communications, medical, logistics, and administration personnel able to operate with limited support from other deployed forces,” Green said. "Along with the squadron’s year-round training cycle, as a BDS, we operate in a continuous annual training cycle, which includes 300- and 400-level certification exercises, ensuring mission readiness regardless of AFFORGEN cycles."
Throughout the deployment, 824th BDS Airmen carried out a range of defensive tasks designed to protect personnel and airpower across multiple locations. These operations range from denying adversarial access to key terrain and enemy movement to destruction of adversarial forces in proximity to bases to decrease an enemy’s capability and willingness to fight.
The squadron also contributed directly to the 11 ATF’s ability to execute agile combat employment concepts. Supporting the 11th ATF mission required short-notice responses, flexible force movements and the ability to operate in difficult terrain. Green said the unit was well prepared for that.
“With the uniqueness of the 11th ATF's mission, our Airmen are capable of executing operations with 24-48 hours of notice,” he said.
He added that the squadron brought advanced individual skills that strengthened the unit’s capability in the Pacific. Several 824th BDS Airmen brought key Army certifications to the fight, including Ranger and Jungle Operator Course certifications.
“Our subject matter experts equip and train all defenders to operate under any circumstances within any Pacific Air Forces environment," Green said.
Throughout the deployment, the 824th BDS integrated closely with the 11th Combat Air Base Squadron to reinforce defense capabilities and support the 11th ATF’s dispersed operations. By combining the 824th BDS with the 11th CABS, the defender footprint doubled in size, providing a dynamic fighting force capable of executing missions with minimal notice.
Whether the 824th BDS was operating in Saipan, the Republic of Korea or Guam, the definition of success remained the same: delivering persistent, ACE-ready installation defense to protect airpower across the Indo-Pacific. This involved integrating with Joint partners and allies to detect, deter, and defeat multi-domain threats while enabling uninterrupted air power generation.
According to Green, compared to previous deployments, this rotation required consistent problem solving and adaptability. He said that he expects their efforts to leave a lasting mark across organizations they supported.
“As a Base Defense Squadron, we crush expectations and go above and beyond the standard because that is all we know, especially when no one is looking,” Green said. "That's why we have our call sign as Ghostwalkers: silent professionals.”