WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --- Changes to gate hours and security measures are scheduled to begin Monday, April 2, 2018, at 6:00 a.m at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. Base patrons and visitors are encouraged to plan their commutes accordingly and pay attention when entering the gates.
-
Arnold Gate (North/Knob Noster) hours will be changed to 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Friday only.
-
LeMay Gate (South/Commercial) will not be open to privately owned vehicles. It will only be open to contractors and commercial vehicles from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday only.
-
Spirit Gate (West/Main) hours will remain open 24/7 with additional security measures. Please pay attention when entering the gate.
These changes are being implemented by the 509th Security Forces Squadron to ensure the installation’s perimeter is secure.
The security of service members, civilians and their families is one of the Air Force’s highest priorities.
“Whiteman AFB is vital to our national defense, so we must take every step to protect the people who keep this installation running—our fellow Airmen, coworkers, and neighbors,” said Brig. Gen. John Nichols, 509th Bomb Wing Commander.
In addition to the changed hours, Airmen and others with base access may notice various other security measures around the gates, such as the presence of security forces vehicles and additional barriers.
As a matter of Operations Security (OPSEC), base personnel are asked to refrain from posting about or commenting on details regarding enhanced security measures on social media. Furthermore, vehicle operators are reminded to never stop their vehicle on top of an active vehicle barrier system.
“Our security forces Airmen are some of the best in the world; my squadron is fully aware of the responsibility placed on them and we will remain vigilant and ready, but the security of our base is a team effort and we need all Team Whiteman Airmen on board,” said Lt. Col. Justin Secrest, 509th SFS Commander.
It is the responsibility of all base personnel to contribute to the defense of the installation. If you see something, say something.
Though the new measures are not a response to any specific threats against the installation, that doesn’t mean they are any less serious.
“Whiteman AFB is privileged to reside near communities that support us and trust us, we enjoy great relationships with our neighbors, but that doesn’t mean we are immune to threats—we still need to be watchful,” Nichols emphasized.
Installation leadership directs Airmen to report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement or to Security Forces at 660-687-3700.
When reporting suspicious activities to Security Forces please be as specific as possible and include the location, time, equipment, size, the type of activity and description of appearance for those involved.
“Every threat is serious,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Daniel Merkh, the 509th SFS operations officer. “The fact that we are charged with Air Force resources, Air Force personnel and their families, is not lost on us.”
The 509th SFS and its partner agencies continually examine ways to make the installation and facilities safer.
“We are doing this for you,” said Merkh. “Some base defense measures may seem inconvenient, but it is all to make you—and your families—safer, as well as to protect our installation resources.”