A unique partnership of Guardsmen from five southern states collaborated to support the President of the United States (POTUS) and other delegates from surface to air threats during the recent G8 Summit. The Georgia Reconnaissance and Interdiction detachment (RAID) was joined by its counterparts from Alabama , North Carolina and Kentuck and their  OH-58 Kiowa helicopters.

The team was based at St. Simons Island ’s Malcom-McKinnon Airport during the Global Eight Economic Summit at Sea Island. During the Summit , RAID pilots, flight crews and nine aircraft traveled between St. Simons Island , Sea Island , Brunswick and Savannah in support of the United States Secret Service and its Counter Surveillance Team.

They also supported other law enforcement agencies and military services involved in the G8 security mission. Primary purpose of the “Huntsman Mission” as it was called, was to protect the President of the United States (POTUS) and other delegates from surface to air threats during the Marine HMX-1 flights between Savannah and Saint Simons Island . 

The contingent mission was to enforce security to Sea Island and Savannah during the actual summit. After the G8 summit ended, the individual RAID elements returned to their respective states and the mission to eradicate marijuana in those areas. Captain Jerry Perry, Georgia ’s RAID commander, said units like his are also now being looked at to support the homeland security effort. (Contributed photo)

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