Safety, security priority at Travis Air Expo Published Aug. 21, 2008 By Senior Airman Shaun Emery 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Travis Air Force Base will open its gates to the public for the 2008 Travis Air Expo Aug. 30-31 and the 60th Security Forces Squadron is geared up to provide a safe and secure site for visitors to come out and enjoy the show. Normally, entrance to the base is restricted to only those personnel in possession of a Department of Defense identification card, but this weekend more than 100,000 people are expected to arrive each morning to see the aerial demonstrations and static displays. "Security is priority number one for us," said Mr. Ken Perkins, 60th SFS Plans and Programs chief. "We want everyone who comes out to the show to enjoy themselves and know we are working around the clock to provide a safe atmosphere." Along with security, members of the 60th SFS are working hand in hand with members of the 60th Civil Engineering Squadron to lay out the easiest access routes, not only the public coming to the show, but also the military members who are working the air show and those performing their day-to-day jobs. "If everyone follows the traffic plan we have set up, there should be minimal delays accessing the base and air show parking areas," said Mr. Perkins. "There are going to be a lot of people coming on base, so we need everyone to work together to cut down on potential delays." Two gates will be used exclusively for the general public entering the base. The North Gate, which can be entered from North Gate road and the Hospital Gate, which can be entered from Air Base Parkway. The Main Gate will be for ID cardholder access only. "We'll be doing 100 percent ID checks there, so anyone who doesn't have an ID will be directed back to the general public entrance," said Mr. Perkins. Delays at the entrances to the air show viewing area can also be minimized if visitors pay attention to the rules governing what can and cannot be brought to the air show and acceptable and unacceptable conduct. The following is a list of do's and don'ts: Do: - Carpool: More than 200,000 people are expected to visit Air Expo 2008. Traffic flow into the base will be easier if friends and family carpool. - Bring sunscreen: Temperatures on the flight line are typically higher than normal. Take extra precautions with small children. - Bring a camera and a pen: Many of the performers make themselves available for autographs and pictures. - Bring folding chairs: Seating on the flight line will be limited. Visitors who will want to sit to watch longer demonstrations will want lightweight, portable seating. - Bring Ear Plugs: Loud noises on the flight line can damage your ears. Hearing protection is recommended. Don't: - Don't bring these: Dogs or other animals, roller-blades, skateboards, alcohol, fireworks, food or beverages in glass containers or weapons of any kind. - Don't over indulge in alcohol: Applicable laws will be enforced. Alcohol consumption can also increase the chance of heat stroke or dehydration on a hot July day. - Don't arrive to the base late: Limited parking and shuttle service to the flight line will require visitors to arrive early to see all the action. - Don't smoke on the flightline: The entire ramp is a no smoking area. Additional no smoking areas will be designated by the fire chief. Security Forces personnel will be using metal detectors and K-9 units to ensure nothing illegal gets through the entrances. "If you have any doubt about what you're bringing, leave it home, because you'll be turned away," said Mr. Perkins. Capt. Richard Martin, 60th SFS operations officer, said that although they'll be facing many challenges, security forces personnel are equipped and trained to do the job. "Our goal is to help put on the best air show possible," he added. "The rules we've put in place are to ensure that people coming to the show can get through the gates with minimum delay and know that they are in a safe environment."