Posted on 04/18/2016 11:58:23 AM PDT by SandRat
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. — The patrolmen, dressed in navy cargo shorts and blue polo shirts with “Police” printed on the back, slow their bikes down as they arrive in front of the crowded entrance of the Exchange. They secure their bikes and remove their helmets as they prepare to patrol the area when they’re stopped twice by pedestrians before they make it inside of the building.
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgts. Damien Lyn and Johnny Nunnes, 355th Security Forces Squadron base defense operations center controllers, are responsible for the 355th SFS bicycle patrol fleet.
“So far it’s been an absolutely great reaction from the public,” said Nunnes. “Most people are just curious as to the uniform so that initiates most of our conversations.”
The bicycle patrol fleet is a section within the squadron that allows the "defenders" not only more access to the base but more interaction with the D-M AFB community. The fleet started out as a small group of three Airmen and increased to ten Airmen in two weeks time.
The patrolmen went through a variety of training to be able to maneuver throughout the installation and safely pursue a situation if needed.
Lyn was trained by the Tucson Police Department and participated in a five-day course. He learned how to ride up and down stairs, how to do slow rides to maneuver through crowds and how to tread walk to keep the bicycle still while keeping his balance.
“We were trained to know what to do to pursue someone from bike or on foot and not get (ourselves) hurt,” said Lyn.
Nunnes trained with the International Police Mountain Bike Association and participated in a rigorous course. For the graduation ride, Nunnes participated in a 50-mile course, down and back, while having to complete additional tasks. The training was based on riding through large groups of people, chasing down suspects if needed, dismounting the bike on a high-speed pursuit and then being able to draw a weapon safely.
Rather than spending their shift inside of a patrol car, an office or at the front gate, the patrolmen spend their shift riding through their designated areas and they also stop to interact with the base community members.
“After arming up, we check to see if our tires are flat from the goat heads from this lovely desert and we find our way to where there’s high population: the BX, the commissary, and once school lets out, we’ll start hitting up the playgrounds and (base) housing,” said Nunnes. “Anywhere that people can see us and they have concerns and can get our attention or to just maintain the public peace. To all the base community populous, feel free to come ask us questions. We’re here for you.”
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgts. Johnny Nunnes and Damien Lyn, 355th Security Force Squadron base defense operations center controllers, patrol the entrance of the Exchange at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., March 30, 2016. Traveling on bicycle helps the defenders with faster response times by allowing them to travel through places that a patrol car cannot. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mya M. Crosby/Released)
Hi Elders!
The guy in front needs to raise his seat for better leg extension and more power.
So they taught APes how to ride bikes.
You mean like this?
Ching ching, ching ching “pull over.”
I was stationed at D-M. That’s a big base! I used to ride my bike around there, then the spring sprung, and I opted for my car. It gets hot there. Real hot. Winters are do-able in shorts and sleeves.
Just like his Commander in Chief!
When I was stationed at Holloman AFB in New Mexico I used to ride my bike between my quarters and my office. The goat head were a real problem. They had "every way up" points, and would puncture the tires and inner tubes. I ended up using special "goat head resistant" inner tubes that were extra thick on the outside. They had more rolling resistance, but at least they didn't get punctured.
Heheh...I actually liked the PeeWee movies.
“Traveling on bicycle helps the defenders with faster response times by allowing them to travel through places that a patrol car cannot.”
Even if true, when they get there they’re still on bikes which provide no cover or concealment and neither do they have trunks full of assault rifles with extra ammo and gear.
Hey guys, local bike shop can hook you right up...
I still can't go to a porn flick without tearing up.
Airless Solid Bicycle tires...
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