Pest crew from Scott AFB protect the mission overseas Published Oct. 13, 2009 By Senior Airman Stephen Linch 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- They did not receive authorization to enter, but nonetheless they are here. And, were it not for two Airmen, these pests would be a potential threat to the mission. Tech. Sgt. Christian Frisina and Senior Airman Semorian Ford make up the 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's pest management section. The duo deployed here from Scott, with one thing in mind -- ensure that pests do not interfere with the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing's air refueling, surveillance and reconnaissance operations in Southwest Asia. "Without control, these pests could interfere with the military mission, damage real property, increase maintenance costs and expose U.S. military personnel to diseases," Sergeant Frisina, a New Hampshire native said. The pest management section's mission here is to establish and maintain safe, effective and environmentally sound, integrated pest management programs. The team is armed with foggers, assorted traps, a variety of baits, spreaders and sprayers, to handle their mission here. According to Sergeant Frisina, the pest management team here is busiest from spring to fall, when the team focuses on dealing with rodent, insects, small animals, weed control and aquatic pests. During the winter months the team can be found performing termite inspections, equipment maintenance and geographic research to better equip them for the rigors of the upcoming spring. Whether they are taking preventative measures against pests on the airfield, in the food storage facilities and serving facilities, work sections or dormitories, they are safeguarding the mission. "We are ultimately here to protect the mission as well as the military personnel and their facilities that support the mission," Sergeant Frisina said.