LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- 61st Security Forces Squadron welcomes new commander Maj Naomi Villalobos who comes from a legacy of family members in the military. Choosing to serve was a simple decision for Villalobos; the day she commissioned is one of her most cherished memories in her career. Her father, an Army Lt Col, delivered her oath of office, and her grandfather, a Marine, and her little brother, an Army Capt., were her first salutes.
Villalobos gained her commission through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) at the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2014. She now brings ten years of Air Force experience to the table, having spent most of her career in security forces positions of increasing responsibility. At her first base, now Vandenberg Space Force Base, she began as an Operation Support Officer in the 30th Security Forces Squadron. In a year, she was promoted to Section Commander of the squadron, and then transitioned to Flight Commander about two years later.
In July 2018 she was stationed in her first overseas assignment at Al Dhafra Air Base (AB) in the United Arab Emirates. Over her tenure in the Air Force, she has also been stationed at Aviano AB in Italy and Soto Cano AB in Honduras.
“Every culture and country are beautiful in their own way, and they play a huge role in our National Defense…When you are overseas, build community partnerships, immerse yourself in the culture, learn from each other – it is extremely beneficial for the mission, and we cannot do it alone,” Villalobos shared as she reflected on her overseas experience.
Villalobos’ training and perspective have prepared her to be a stellar new leader for SFS. She sees military service as a way to make a difference, motivate, and inspire others to do the same. Her leadership philosophy is succinctly captured by the acronym ONE TEAM: Outstanding service, Nurturing, Enjoyment, Trust, Empowerment, Accountability, and Make time.
She reverently thinks of the day she received her Security Forces beret and badge. Whenever she sees her team of defenders and police officers succeed, thrive, and come together as one unit, those are the moments she is most proud.
Space Base Delta 3 (SBD 3) is delighted to see Villalobos take command of the 61st SFS. During command she is looking forward to learning about the Space Force world, working jointly with local law enforcement partners, and enjoying all that California has to offer with her family, friends, and defender teammates.