Operation Nighthawk aimed at ending drug abuse

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Donald Osborn
  • 60th AMW Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  For those wishing to consume illegal substances only to have all traces expelled within a day or two before getting selected for a random drug test, this is not your lucky day!
There is an operation in full swing to catch potential illegal substance violators at the gates of Travis. 

"The great thing about the Nighthawk is that it targets anyone coming through the gate between specific hours," said Tech. Sgt. Mark Lytal, drug demand reduction augmentee from the 60th Communications Squadron. 

"All agencies are involved at Travis. The idea is all active duty individuals are eligible from the highest ranking officer to the youngest airman," said Sergeant Lytal. "This way, there is no argument that what we are doing is random," he added. 

Operation Nighthawk is a program designed for random testing. Daily testing is currently underway at the gates and adding to this the unannounced night time inspections truly enforces the element of surprise. 

"The actual selection at the gate is for active duty," said Sergeant Lytal. "If there is a civilian in the car with an active duty individual, they will not be asked to provide a urine sample. However, the automobile they are in will be searched." 

If selected at the gate, you will be given a letter, signed by the wing commander, ordering you to provide a urine sample. 

From there you will be directed to a specific location where a search of your vehicle will be conducted by a K-9, security forces, or Office of Special Investigations agents.
After the search, you will be directed to the location where the urinalysis will be conducted. 

Those consuming illegal drugs and think that they won't get caught if they don't come through the gate at night or on the weekends, think again. This program isn't only limited to the gates or to weekends. 

"You can be tested anywhere, or anytime your commander or the OSI feel there needs to be a test," said Sergeant Lytal. "Where there is probable cause like a member or members testing positive, or intelligence of illegal acts involving drugs, they will coordinate with the Drug Demand Reduction Program to make the necessary arrangements." 

"Most people understand why we do this and comply with the requirement," said Sergeant Lytal. "There are a few disgruntled individuals who just want to get home and are upset about the inconvenience but they still obey the order given to them by the installation commander," he said. "If they refuse, it then becomes a legal issue."
Even though some people look at this program in a negative way, it is designed for the safety of all personnel on base. 

How safe is it if an individual flying a plane is high? How about that individual that just replaced the engine on the aircraft you are on heading over to Korea? What about the Airman in a convoy with a loaded weapon? 

Just because people wear a military uniform, doesn't mean they can't abuse drugs.
"Unfortunately drugs are a fact of life, even in the military," said Sergeant Lytal. "Our job at DDRP is to do our best to weed out the individuals that aren't suited for the military way of life and above all, keep our Airman safe both here and overseas." 

"We aren't here to judge, just to take your donations," he added.