The Gatekeepers

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Sharon McBride | SOUTHWEST ASIA --- Petty Officer 2nd Class Evelyn Sellers, with the Navy Customs Battalion "Romeo", checks a passenger's bag recently. The Battalion is responsible for checking every single piece of lugguage that comes into theater.  

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10.25.2006

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Sharon McBride 

40th Public Affairs Detachment

by Sgt. 1st Class Sharon G. McBride
40th Public Affairs Detachment

SOUTHWEST ASIA --- "The weirdest thing I've ever come across when I was checking a bag was a huge spider. I saw that and about jumped out of my skin," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Tamica Burris. "It was a souvenir and the (Soldier) got to keep it because it was preserved correctly and in glass. I just have a 'thing' about bugs."

Checking bags for illegal items and coming across unusual stuff is part of her normal work day, she said. Burris is part of the Navy Customs Battalion "Romeo" in Kuwait.

"Romeo" is made up of U.S. Navy Reservists from across 44 states and they are responsible for inspecting every piece of baggage and luggage that goes in and out of theater in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"Last year, over one million bags came through here," said Navy Lt. j.g. Linda Ashford, assistant commander of Co. B, Navy Customs Battalion "Romeo." On a daily basis, thousands of servicemembers from every branch of the military go through the customs point.

That's a lot of baggage, she said. And most days each bag comes with stuff that has its own special story.

"Stuffed animals sent from loved ones, lingerie, cards... you know, sentimental items that you wouldn't expect servicemembers to have necessarily," she said.

"But we are checking for things that would hurt the U.S. if it slipped through the system," said Ashford. Typical items might be like illegal weapons, agriculture or illegal war trophies, she said. "The weirdest thing I found was an old grenade," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Kristen Bauman, about going through a bag. "The servicemember was not allowed to keep that."

Servicemembers who are transitioning home don't always know what to expect, she said.

"They are immediately briefed on what they can and cannot take home," she said. Amnesty boxes are placed in convenient areas, so servicemembers can get rid of items discreetly if the need arises.

"Most (servicemembers) aren't intending to do something illegal by packing unauthorized items," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Jennifer Cox, who works in the amnesty area. "But we give them several opportunities to get rid of stuff before they get into trouble."

In most cases, said Ashford, the inspections go smoothly and no real problems arise.

"Sometimes they feel like we have invaded their bubble," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Evelyn Sellers, said about her job of inspecting bags.

Servicemembers are required to empty out their bags entirely while a member of the "Romeo" battalion inspects the contents piece by piece.

"But most take it in stride because they know it's a necessary last step before going home to be with loved ones," said Sellers.

• Date Taken: 10.25.2006
• Date Posted: 10.26.2006 11:23
• Story ID: 8154
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)