320th SPS

• Origins: The 320th Security Police Squadron (SPS) was originally activated as part of the 320th Bombardment Wing at Mather Air Force Base, California, during the Cold War era. • Strategic Role: The unit was responsible for providing security and law enforcement for the base, which was a key training location for B-52 and KC-135 crews. • Cold War Duties: The 320th SPS played a critical role in safeguarding nuclear weapons storage areas and flight lines during heightened tensions with the Soviet Union. • Vietnam Era Contributions: Members of the 320th SPS were occasionally deployed to support security operations at forward locations during the Vietnam War. • Training Excellence: The unit was known for its rigorous training programs, preparing personnel for both base defense and overseas assignments. • Humanitarian Efforts: 320th SPS personnel participated in disaster relief operations, including responses to local California wildfires and earthquakes. • Women in the Ranks: The unit was among the early adopters of integrating women into security police roles, reflecting broader changes in the Air Force in the 1970s and 1980s. • K-9 Teams: The 320th SPS maintained a highly regarded military working dog (K-9) section, which conducted patrols, explosives detection, and demonstrations for the community. • Community Engagement: The squadron often engaged with the Mather AFB community, hosting open houses, school visits, and public safety demonstrations. • Inactivation: The 320th SPS was inactivated in 1993 following the closure of Mather AFB as part of post-Cold War realignment, but its legacy continues through the service of its former members.