Airmen conquer Frozen Hel in training operation

  • Published
  • By Airman Elijah Van Zandt
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The 341st Missile Security Operations Squadron, Convoy Response Force took part in a two-week training operation in early January where they practiced medical training, combat techniques and convoy defense exercises against oppositional forces at multiple locations across base.

CRF is a specialized unit which provides convoy security in support of the Air Force Global Strike mission of strategic deterrence. Specifically, they defend the transportation of intercontinental ballistic missile components as they travel to launch facilities across the state of Montana to ensure Malmstrom’s arsenal remains lethal and effective.

The training exercise, Operation Frozen Hel, was a series of classroom sessions and briefings, culminating with realistic exercises to allow CRF personnel to perform duties that would otherwise be impossible to prepare for.

“With the monotony of our day-to-day operations, it’s hard for our Airmen to focus on training for the possibility of scenarios that they’ve never experienced,” said Staff Sgt. Mitchell Rabbitt, 341st MSOS CRF team leader. “The overall goal of the operation was to provide our Airmen with the tools and tactics needed to enhance our unit lethality and develop leaders to ensure our mission’s success.”

As well as their normal duties of keeping a convoy in constant motion until arrival at its final destination, CRF personnel practiced safeguarding assets from oppositional forces by shooting simulation style ammunition and deploying live smoke grenades. CRF also teamed up with the 40th Helicopter Squadron for a night operation simulating a recapturing of an oppositional controlled village.

Operation Frozen Hel is now an annual tool that defenders have to ensure Malmstrom’s assets stay safe even in the most unlikely scenarios.

“At the end of the day we are providing the security of ICBM components,” said 1st Lt. Andrew McCoy, 341st MSOS convoy commander. “We want to provide our teams and our leadership with the confidence that we can provide safe, reliable and secure transport in the best and most adverse conditions.”