Selfridge Has Stood Guard Since 9/11

Since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, men and women from Selfridge Air National Guard have worked to protect the United States both at home and abroad.

The U.S. has deployed more than 3,800 airmen from the 127th Wing at Selfridge in the 10 years after Sept. 11 for military action in Afghanistan and Iraq, according to a press release from Selfridge.

“Sept. 11, 2001, was the defining moment for a generation of Americans,” , the commander of the 127th Wing, said in a release.

“Since that time, Airmen, Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Coast Guardsmen have deployed to places near and far to not only defend our freedoms, but to help others secure freedom and democracy as well,” Thomas said. “At the same time, Selfridge has become a key center for Department of Homeland Security operations to protect and secure our northern border.”

Selfridge also has Homeland Security units on the base.

• HQ Detroit Sector Border Patrol.
• Great Lakes Office of Air and Marine Operational Integration Center
• HQ Northern Region, Office of Air and Marine

The base also has more than 200 personnel from the three law enforcement arms of the Customs and Border Protection.

• United States Border Patrol
• Office of Air and Marine
• Office of Field Operations

“Over the past 10 years, some of the finest young men and women in America have risen their right hands and been sworn in to our armed forces—and done so knowing full well that they were likely to be deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan,” Thomas said in a release.

“As I’ve worked with the young Airmen who have enlisted here at Selfridge over the past 10 years, I am convinced that our country is now being served by the newest ‘greatest generation,’” Thomas said.