When C-17s fly into danger, so do Ravens

Cargo jet security teams guard planes, crews on the ground in places where risks are high

At $200 million and change, a C-17 cargo jet is one of the Air Force's prized possessions — something an elite squad of airmen is charged with protecting.

Armed with assault rifles and night vision goggles, Ravens accompany C-17s on missions from Iraq to Colombia, protecting the aircraft whenever it is parked in dangerous locations.

"We provide security in locations for our aircraft and aircrews where they don't have adequate security," said Master Sgt. Ken Lewis, a Charleston-based Raven. "We are pretty much flying cops."

For the past decade, these flying cops have quietly accompanied America's precious cargo to spots most people try to avoid.

Just ask Lewis, who flew to Colombia and then left last week for Egypt. "Any country that ends with a 'stan,' we've been there."

From dirt runways in northern Iraq to the tsunami-devastated nations of Southeast Asia, Ravens set up safe perimeters around grounded aircraft and discourage curious locals.

More than 250 Ravens operate throughout Air Force with 34 based in Charleston. The assets Ravens protect aren't cheap.

The going rate for a C-17 cargo jet is about $202 million. The C-17s lumbering older sibling, the C-5, runs about $179 million.

But it's not just the aircraft. The government has millions invested in sophisticated computer equipment and software.

Then there's also each plane's cargo, which might be the secretary of defense one day and then millions in cash — and sometimes gold bricks — needed to pay overseas defense contractors on another mission.

In the decade these crews have flown, officials said there have been minor incidents with locals, but no Raven has yet had to fire a weapon.

Ravens attribute that to the fact that most issues can be resolved with dialogue. While the training involves learning hand-to-hand combat and pressure points, it also focuses on embassy relations and diplomacy.

"We would rather talk our way out of a problem than use force," said Tech Sgt. Steven Smith. "You don't want an international incident."

A C-17 typically carries three Ravens on a mission. When a plane lands, one guards the area in front of the plane, another the rear, and the third stays on the aircraft.

Ravens typically carry pepper spray and batons as well as an M4 rifle and M9 Beretta pistol. Beyond weapons, they carry night vision goggles and thermal sensing equipment used to spot body heat.

These airmen constantly evaluate any threat to the aircraft and crew. Often, runway security in the world's troubled spots is lacking — or as Lewis noted, it may consist of a little more than a 12-year-old boy with a rifle of equal age.

Charleston-based Master Sgt. George Blakey has served as a Raven for nearly a decade. He knows from experience how isolating the missions can be when a C-17 is grounded far from home.

That was hammered home a few years back as he guarded a plane during uprisings in Haiti. All that separated the plane from the angry mob was a skinny airport fence.

"It can be kind of lonely," he said. "We're out in places most people see only TV and that's it."

Reach James Scott at 745-5855 or at jscott@postandcourier.com.