Wing hosts first SWAT challenge

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Holly Hess
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Members of Team Travis got the opportunity to challenge one another in the wing's first Special Weapons and Tactics challenge Oct. 30. 

The Travis Air Force Base Emergency Services Team conducted the demanding event for 11, eight-member teams, testing their strength and endurance through a Humvee push, a multi-station obstacle course, a combat attire relay and a bucket obstacle course. 

The event was developed to give the base a small taste of what the 60th Security Forces Squadron's SWAT team competes in and give the competitors a unique way of increasing their wartime readiness. 

"We have to be fit to fight and fight to win," said Airman 1st Class William Beal, 60th Logistics Readiness Squadron. "This competition will prepare us to have a positive attitude against any obstacles that come our way and to remember that it is one team, one fight. It takes a team working together to complete the mission and tasks at hand. What makes the obstacles difficult is your mindset. As long as you and your wingman keep a positive mindset, all things can be done." 

Morale was high while Travis Airmen cheered for their favorite teams during the different events throughout the competition. 

"This is a great event for building esprit de corps, morale and unity at the base level," said Col. Mark Dillon, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander. 

The idea came from two competitions the Travis SWAT team participated in. One of those is the Art Koch Competition that all of the SWAT teams in Solano country participate in every year, while the second is the Best of the West competition where 30 SWAT teams from the western region compete against each other for two days. 

"By participating in these competitions, we learned that it is more than just being a lethal shooter. It is more about teamwork, communication and paying attention to the small details to get the job done and we wanted to bring that to Travis," said Tech. Sgt. Dwight Valeros, 60th Security Forces Squadron non-commissioned officer in charge of resources and readiness. "We want to give back to the Air Force, Travis and the 60th AMW for all of the support and allowing us to compete in these events." 

The competition was close among the 11 teams, but when all the scores and times were tallied, the 60th SFS Phoenix Ravens came out on top taking first place. Taking second place was the 60th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Team 2 and the 60th Aerial Port Squadron "Port Dawgs" finished third. 

Due to the tremendous success of this event, the 60th SFS is planning on making the SWAT competition an annual event at Travis during national police week in May. 

"I would like to see the SWAT competition held annually and more events like it in the future," said Airman Beal. "I'm sure the morale of the base will increase."