About this Unit
The 15th Security Police Squadron (15th SPS) was a unit of the United States Air Force responsible for base security, law enforcement, and force protection. Activated at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, the 15th SPS played a crucial role in safeguarding key Air Force assets and personnel during the Cold War and into the post-Vietnam era. The squadron conducted base defense operations, coordinated emergency response, and maintained readiness for potential threats, both external and internal. In later years, the unit underwent organizational changes and was eventually redesignated as the 15th Security Forces Squadron, continuing its mission under a new name.
Historical Facts
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Origins: The 15th Security Police Squadron (15th SPS) was activated at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, and was part of the 15th Air Base Wing providing base security and law enforcement.
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Vietnam War Service: Elements of the 15th SPS deployed to Southeast Asia, supporting operations during the Vietnam War, and some members served TDY (temporary duty) at air bases in Vietnam and Thailand.
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Pearl Harbor Heritage: Stationed at Hickam AFB, the squadron occupied a base that was attacked during the Pearl Harbor raid of December 7, 1941, with security personnel commemorating this heritage annually.
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Law Enforcement Role: The 15th SPS was responsible for both law enforcement and base defense, providing police services, gate security, and rapid response to emergencies on base.
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K-9 Teams: The unit maintained a robust military working dog (K-9) section for patrol, narcotics, and explosives detection, playing a key role in force protection.
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Cold War Security: During the Cold War, the 15th SPS was a frontline unit safeguarding vital Pacific Air Forces assets against espionage and sabotage threats.
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Unit Awards: The 15th SPS earned multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards in recognition of its superior performance and mission accomplishment.
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Participation in Exercises: The squadron regularly participated in large-scale exercises, such as PACAF's “Cope Thunder” and base-wide readiness drills, to maintain combat readiness.
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Community Outreach: Members of the 15th SPS were active in the local community, participating in school programs, parades, and public safety demonstrations in Hawaii.
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Transition to Security Forces: In the late 1990s, the squadron was redesignated as the 15th Security Forces Squadron (15th SFS) as part of an Air Force-wide reorganization, reflecting its expanded security mission in the 21st century.
