MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. — The 891st Missile Security Forces Squadron (MSFS) conducted Operation Cerberus at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, Sept. 21-26. Operation Cerberus replicated a deployed environment and gave Airmen of the 891 MSFS a chance to enhance their teamwork and expeditionary skills.
Airmen assigned to the 891st Missile Security Forces Squadron perform simulated tactical combat casualty care (TCCC) on their wingman during Operation Cerberus at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, Sept. 24, 2024. TCCC severely reduces the risk of hemorrhaging, which is the leading preventable cause of death in combat.U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Jakob Hauser, 891st Missile Security Forces Squadron flight commander, shoots an M-4 carbine rifle during Operation Cerberus at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, Sept. 24, 2024. Hauser tested his accuracy with an M-4 carbine rifle while shooting in different positions at the weapons range.
“We’ve got over 200 people here for four full days of training, and six total days of travel on both ends,” U.S. Air Force Maj. Mathew Brox, 891 MSFS commander said. “Our training staff did an excellent job, and we trusted and relied on our leadership on all levels to execute that training.”
During the operation, the 891 MSFS conducted training in a variety of disciplines including land navigation, tactical combat casualty care, convoy operations, close quarters battle tactics and conventional weapons training.
“At Camp Ripley we have access to full-distance weapons and helicopter ranges, as well as access to armored vehicles, training areas and open villages,” U.S. Air Force Capt. Nicolas Niazian, 891 MSFS operations officer expressed. “Camp Ripley has amenities that Minot AFB and many other bases don’t, so at Ripley we get to practice how we play.” Niazian said that the Airmen not only learned how to use their own rifle and operate an M-240 on an armored vehicle, but they also learned how to work as a team.
Airman Justin Todd, 54th Helicopter Squadron (54HS) UH-1N Iroquois flight engineer (left), sits by a M-240 while U.S. Air Force Capt. Damon Lappe, 54HS UH-1N Iroquois pilot (center) and U.S. Air Force Capt. Grace Orahood, 54 HS UH-1N Iroquois pilot (right), fly over Camp Ripley, Minnesota, Sept. 24, 2024.The 54 HS coordinated with the 91st Missile Security Operations Squadron to designate simulated targets for Operation Cerberus.U.S. Air Force Capt. Nicolas Niazian, 891st Missile Security Forces Squadron (MSFS) operations officer, delivers a mission brief for Operation Cerberus at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, Sept. 22, 2024. Operation Cerberus was a readiness exercise designed to simulate a deployed environment and give an opportunity for Airmen of 891 MSFS to test their expeditionary skills.Leadership assigned to the 891st Missile Security Forces Squadron (MSFS) huddle up in preparation for Operation Cerberus at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, Sept. 22, 2024. Operation Cerberus was a readiness exercise designed to simulate a deployed environment and give an opportunity for Airmen of 891 MSFS to test their expeditionary skills.
“You learn who people really are when the rounds start flying and learn a lot about what you need to work on,” stated Airman 1st Class Jacob Kohler, 891 MSFS missile security operator. “We’re supposed to practice how we play, so everybody giving their maximum effort and working together made me very proud.”
Kohler was the Top Shot award recipient during Operation Cerberus, which he earned by hitting 31 out of 40 targets at the weapons range.
“They had smoke grenades, ground burst simulators, and a simulated 50 caliber fired blank ammunition at them,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Cody Carvey, 891 MSFS unit security manager. “It was a loud, fun time for them.”
Airmen assigned to the 891st Missile Security Forces Squadron pose for a group photo at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, Sept. 26, 2024. Camp Ripley is a 53,000-acre training center with numerous ranges and facilities designed for military and civilian agencies to develop their skills.
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