Photo By Sgt. Brandon Aultman | Signs are displayed warning drivers of aircraft activity on the flightline, Marine...... read more read more
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The world is constantly changing, and new enemies threaten the security of military installations every day. In the pursuit of being proactive, the Marine Corps strives to think ahead to solve issues before they become problems. One way the Marine Corps is continuing to be proactive today is by increasing security measures at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
“MCBH has been working on improving our security posture at Kaneohe Bay, Camp Smith and other locations for quite some time,” said Jacqueline Freeland, Installation Protection Officer, MCB Hawaii, “and have made significant improvements around the base over the years.”
These changes are the Marine Corps’ way of exercising foresight and adapting to the changes taking place in the world. That being said, many Marines may be wondering why the changes are taking place, and how it will affect their daily lives.
“With the proposed force laydown and the need for increased security, the base CO has asked [the] physical security [section] to begin the process of changing perception of our flight line security,” said Mark Patton, Deputy Director of Airfield Operations, MCBH. “As the mission, assets, and focus changes, everyone must evaluate the importance of our goals as an air/ground team to include increasing security, limiting access, and projecting power.”
MCAS Kaneohe Bay has always played an important role in the Pacific theater, but as the current climate evolves, it is rapidly becoming a more essential staging ground for tomorrow’s battles. The coming changes in security reflect its rising importance.
Security goals in the near future are not a distant departure from the way things stand today. “In the coming months, everyone will be asked to present their ID and/or a pass to the guards crossing the runway,” said Freeland. “Over time, those coming to MCBH will understand this is the norm.”
Marines who live and work on MCB Hawaii are already used to presenting their ID at the base gate, so this change will be a seamless transition for most.
A few more additions to security include restriction of personal vehicle parking, and increased fencing around the airfield.
“Changes to flightline parking are already complete,” said Jeffery Telling, Director of Airfield Operations, MCBH, “and fencing will take more time, since it’s MILCON dependent.”
Telling also said that as time goes on, it will become harder for all personnel to access the inner areas of the airfield, which is a good thing.
Base officials have emphasized that although they have big goals for security increases in the future, they plan to implement these changes in a slow and controlled manner.
“In time, three to seven years, the Air Station here at MCBH hopes to achieve the level of protection all safety and security professionals, as well as Air Station tenants truly desire,” said Freeland. “The base appreciates patience and understanding as we begin slowly implementing these much needed and required changes.”
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| Date Taken: | 04.27.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 04.28.2021 22:49 |
| Story ID: | 394944 |
| Location: | KANEOHE BAY, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 711 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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