Senator visits MacDill - announces he is satisfied with security

Published July 16, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Sarah Breer
6th Air Mobility Wing public affairs

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Bill Nelson, Florida U.S. Senator, visited MacDill Air Force Base July 12 to address base security and announced he is satisfied that the base is protected from security threats.

Recently an individual was found to have trespassed on base at least four times, once using a trash can to jump a fence protecting the base perimeter. Nelson met with base leadership to determine what happened and why the individual was able to get onto the installation.

Nelson said base security is solid and the previous breaches had been handled appropriately.

"I am convinced that [base security forces officials] are doing what they can and it is sufficient for our national security interests," Nelson said.

The 6th Security Forces Squadron has been recognized in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012 as the Air Mobility Command's Large Security Forces Unit of the Year. In 2009 and 2010 they were the Air Force's Large Security Forces Unit of the Year.

Members of the 6th SFS are keeping the base safe, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Nelson expressed his confidence that security will be kept at a heightened state.

"There are two things they [6th SFS officials] have done," Nelson said, "an enhancement of the fence line and at the Maritime. Two, [they are] talking to everyone, just to be aware of what's going on."

Col. Scott DeThomas, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander, said security at MacDill Air Force Base is constantly improving and evolving to accommodate new threats, but the base's best asset is its people and the Tampa community.

In the past six weeks there have been three attempts to illegally gain entry to MacDill. On all three occasions someone from the local community alerted the installation or Tampa officials.

Security forces and the Tampa Bay community's law enforcement agencies worked together and the attempts were thwarted before the individuals made it to the base.

"We've taken measures to prevent the physical part of it, but the best way to prevent trespassers and threats is to have everyone on and around MacDill staying vigilant," said DeThomas.

At the entry control points across base, security can be seen. Sentries at the gate tell the rest of the community that only authorized personnel are allowed on base.

Security implementations from extra random vehicle inspections, having military working dogs at the gate at random times, having more security forces members at the gate, and random upgrades in force protections levels ensure that the base population is kept safe.

If there is a security concern on base, citizens should call the security forces command post. At all times, the base community should remember that if something is seen, then authorities should be called. Even if an incident seems to be insignificant, it could alert security forces to a bigger issue.