About this Unit
The 9500th Security Police Squadron was an Air Force security unit assigned to Edwards Air Force Base, California, during the Cold War era. Tasked with safeguarding the installation, its personnel provided law enforcement, security, and protection for critical assets including high-profile flight test programs and experimental aircraft. The squadron played a vital role in base security, especially during periods of heightened alert and classified operations. Eventually, its lineage and responsibilities were absorbed by other security forces units as part of Air Force organizational restructuring.
Historical Facts
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Origins in the Cold War: The 9500th Security Police Squadron was established during the Cold War to provide security for sensitive research and test operations at Edwards Air Force Base, a key site for aerospace innovation.
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Guardians of the X-Planes: The unit played a crucial role in securing the facilities where experimental aircraft such as the X-15, SR-71 Blackbird, and other classified "X-planes" were developed and tested.
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Support for Space Shuttle Landings: Members of the 9500th provided perimeter security for Space Shuttle landings at Edwards AFB, safeguarding the area during these high-profile NASA missions.
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Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm: Security Police from the 9500th were deployed in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, contributing to base security and force protection overseas.
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Innovations in Security Technology: The unit was among the first to test and implement advanced intrusion detection systems and surveillance technologies to protect high-value assets at the base.
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Training Ground for Air Force Security Forces: The 9500th acted as a training hub, providing instruction on base defense, law enforcement procedures, and anti-terrorism operations for Air Force Security Forces personnel.
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High-Speed Pursuit Stories: Security Police were involved in several high-speed vehicle pursuits on the vast runways and dry lakebeds of Edwards AFB, sometimes intercepting trespassers or unauthorized vehicles.
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VIP Protection: The squadron provided security details for U.S. Presidents, astronauts, and foreign dignitaries visiting Edwards for major test flights and ceremonies.
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Emergency Response: 9500th Security Police were first responders to several aircraft mishaps and fires, coordinating rescue and securing accident sites for investigators.
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Legacy and Transition: As Air Force organizational structures evolved, the 9500th Security Police Squadron was inactivated and its mission continued by successor Security Forces units, leaving a legacy of excellence in protecting one of America’s most important test bases.
