January 2012 FTX

Senior Airman Jake Mattison, from the 142nd Security Forces Squadron, provides perimeter security during a patient extraction exercise conducted Jan. 13, 2012, in Riley, Ore. This is one of many total-force exercises that were conducted during a two-week period to enhance the readiness of Airmen from the 304th Rescue Squadron and 142nd Security Forces Squadron stationed at Portland International Airport, Ore. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Daniel Delgado)

Security Forces and Rescue Airmen train side by side

Published Feb. 11, 2012
By Staff Sgt. Daniel Delgado
304th Rescue Squadron Public Affairs

PORTLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Ore. -- Air Force Reserve and Guard Airmen from the 304th Rescue Squadron and 142nd Security Forces Squadron respectively tested their abilities to provide security and combat search and rescue during their third annual Field Training Exercise in Riley, Ore., Jan. 12-25. The 304th Rescue Squadron is a geographically-separated unit of the 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., while the 142nd SFS is part of the Air National Guard.'s 142nd Fighter Wing. Both the 143nd and 304th are co-located at Portland International Airport, Ore.

A small campground in Riley, a small farming and ranching community approximately 250 miles north of Portland, served as a forward operating base for the duration of the exercise. Much of the training was conducted at night in dark, freezing temperatures to simulate the worst-possible conditions these Airmen may face in a combat environment. Exercises such as this test the abilities of the units involved and serve to strengthen their capabilities in a real-world environment.

View additional photos captured during the exercise here.

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