F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --
At 2 a.m. on a Friday morning here, darkness consumed the tired sky as Airmen from the 90th Security Forces Group gathered for the chance to put their skills to the test. This was the start of a long day of competition as defenders prepped for the 22nd annual Crow Creek Challenge, Aug. 26.
Mission Ready
90th Missile Wing defenders are mission ready 24/7, but this competition tested their physical strength and mental endurance through a series of events that related to some of their daily duties.
“It’s not only a battle to see who is the best, but a time to showcase our defenders’ ability to get the mission done,” said Senior Master Sgt. Daniel Davis, 790th Missile Security Forces Squadron superintendent.
The challenge tests training standards and readiness, but also serves as a morale booster.
“It allows us to build comradery and esprit de corps while challenging security forces personnel in a friendly competition,” said Col. Christopher Corley, 90th Security Forces Group commander. “The fellowship is outstanding and the competition is fierce.”
The challenge helps support mission readiness by testing the basic knowledge and fundamentals of the security forces mission. Defenders train to exercise these skills while providing security in the missile field and protecting the base, said Davis.
The top 10 defenders from each of the four security forces squadrons were chosen to participate. Half of the 10-member teams competed under the cover of darkness, while the other half competed during the day. At the end, all the teams participated in a final physical challenge.
The Challenge
The time based, six-mile course began at the firing range, where defenders were tested on their weapons capability.
Next, they participated in a team-building obstacle course, while each team rucked between events exercising their land navigation skills.
“Land navigation is a perishable skill that a defender may have to use when traveling on foot through rough terrain,” said Master Sgt. Doumit Elias, 90th MSFS NCO in charge. “Knowing how to use a map and compass helps the defender in case GPS technology isn't available or becomes inoperable.”
Defenders then made their way to the shoot house for an active-shooter exercise where teams weaved their way through the building and responded to the situation in accordance with their training.
Senior Airman Joshua Hudson, 790th MSFS tactical response force assaulter, played the role of an active shooter in the exercise.
“The exercise went well and every team completed the objective,” Hudson said.
At noon, all team members competed in the final event: team pain. Teams worked together through a series of physical events which included quickly carrying logs, sand bags and water-filled trash cans. They also flipped tires and performed four-man push ups in Crow Creek, submerging their bodies in water.
Mission Complete
After a 12-hour day of nonstop competition, when all the sweat had dried, a winner was chosen. The 790th MSFS won the team pain event and the overall CCC winner was the 90th SFS, after completing the course the fastest.
“Pure motivation helped us, we have a lot of heart and pride,” said Senior Airman Brianna Ziolkowski, 790th MSFS security support team member. “Everyone did a great job.”
Though it was a competition, all of the defenders were able to showcase their proficiency in their duties, which ensures the mission is done safely, securely and effectively.
“The biggest thing about completing any of these obstacles is working as a team and accomplishing the mission,” said Staff Sgt. Cody Swift, 90th MSFS unit scheduler and trainer. “I would represent my squadron in a heartbeat for a competition like this anytime.”