Guards at south gate handle big traffic

  • Published
  • By Nick DeCicco
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  As the sun rises on California and Travis, the base's south gate is receiving its first visitors of the day.

A glut of vehicles prepares for inspection with members of the 60th Security Forces Squadron before entering the base.

The way the scene differs, however, from those entering Travis' main gate on Air Base Parkway or the other on North Gate Road is the type of traffic.

Unlike the commuter traffic which lines up to have its identification cards reviewed and scanned at other gates, the Airmen manning the south gate inspect larger vehicles -- big rigs, 18-wheelers, construction vehicles, cargo vehicles, semi-trailer trucks and more which transport more than just people on base.

"We look at everything from danishes to clothing," said Senior Airman Anthony Brassard, 60th SFS entry controller.

Opening at 6 a.m. to begin inspecting the vehicles and their drivers, the gate is busiest in the morning hours, Brassard said.

An inbound vehicle is marshaled over a pit several feet deep so Airmen can inspect the undercarriage of a vehicle. They also review the cab and other areas, looking for weapons, drug paraphernalia or anything else suspicious one might use a large-sized vehicle to bring onto base. Simultaneously, inside the adjacent office, Airmen are vetting the credentials of drivers, who are subject to background checks prior to arrival.

According to Staff Sgt. Sinjen Halsey, 60th SFS, failing a background check means denying access to the base, but the rate of denial varies depending on the day.

Senior Airman Paul VanBeckum, 60th SFS patrolman, said most mornings, as many as 10 vehicles are waiting at the gate, but he's seen upward of 20. Traffic varies from day to day, but some drivers become regulars who build a rapport with the Airmen.

Brassard said he enjoys the variety of people he meets, the job commands a high level of unwavering vigilance.

"It doesn't mean you can become complacent," he said. "They can just as easily try to pull one over on you."VanBeckum said while most visitors to the gate are affable, there are bad apples like any other job.

"Not everyone who comes through is in a good mood," he said. "But they should know it's not personal. I'm not enforcing personal policies. I'm enforcing Air Force policies."
Although some visitors can be different, Brassard said the time passes quickly while he's on post and that he also finds it rewarding. "It's really enjoyable, especially knowing that you're keeping bad individuals from the base."