Operation Roman Watch

Master Sgt. Robert Hook, 113th Wing, D.C. Air National Guard, gives directions to an attendee at the 2015 Papal Visit in Washington, D.C., Sept. 23. Hook is one of more than 150 DCANG Airmen supporting Operation Roman Watch as crowd control and traffic management. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Erica Rodriguez)

Operation Roman Watch

Tech. Sgt. William Johnson, 113th Legal Office paralegal, ensures crowd control at the 2015 Papal Visit in Washington, D.C., Sept. 23. More than 150 Airmen from the D.C. Air National Guard volunteered for the event providing crowd and traffic control. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Erica Rodriguez)

Operation Roman Watch

Senior Airman Devonte Pendergrass, 113th Wing, D.C. Air National Guard, patrols at the 2015 Papal Visit in Washington, D.C., Sept. 23. The 113th Wing members volunteered for the domestic operations at the event as crowd control and traffic management. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Anthony Small)

D.C. National Guard supports Papal visit to Washington, D.C.

Published Sept. 24, 2015
By Senior Airman Erica Rodriguez
113th Wing Public Affairs

WASHINGTON -- More than 150 Airmen from the 113th Wing, D.C. Air National Guard volunteered as task force support for visit of Pope Francis here, Sep. 22-24.

Sworn-in and deputized by the D.C. Metropolitan Police as special police, the Airmen served as a standing police force for the event that attracted thousands of spectators to the D.C. area.

Domestic operations is one of the many ways the 113th Wing supports its community. This event, Operation Roman Watch, was a culmination of both Army and Air Force from the D.C. National Guard.

"There are over 500 Guardsmen in this task force which makes the logistics difficult, but as Capital Guardians, we are trained and equipped to handle this mission," said Capt. Duane Peterson, Operation Roman Watch deputy task force commander.

The D.C. Air National Guard also supported the commemoration event marking the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I have a Dream" speech, and the Concert for Valor event honoring Veterans Day 2014.

"We are happy to support the local community and making this a safe event for all is our honor," said Peterson.

Proper training prepared all members for event. As task force, members maintained crowd and traffic control, as well as enforcing the law.

"Operation Roman Watch was my first task force," said Airman 1st Class Darla Robertson, 113th Maintenance Squadron aircraft electrician. "My duties included security checks for those who attended the parade. I was excited and nervous about the event, but the briefing and training for the task force prepared me for it."

The event proved to be another successful domestic operation from the D.C. National Guard.