9/25/2014 – LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. — The 19th Security Forces Squadron continues to keep traffic flowing efficiently in and out of Little Rock Air Force Base as the Arnold Road gate remains under construction until Oct. 1.
The new additions to the gate are necessary to keep the base community safe.
“Little Rock AFB needed to start construction to enhance safety and security,” said Master Sgt. James Wells, 19th SFS installation security noncommissioned officer in charge.
“The enhancements made at the gate will help minimize threats posed by potential adversaries.”
The 19th SFS devised a traffic plan before the construction started, allowing base personnel to access different gates on base.
“At the Vandenberg gate, Senior Master Sgt. Carlos Rosa, operations superintendent, devised a new initiative to funnel the influx of traffic through the Marshall Road gate,” said Master Sgt. Sandquiette Morris, 19th SFS operations noncommissioned officer in charge. “At the Harris Road gate, with the support of the 19th Civil Engineer Squadron, a temporary entry control point was constructed to handle increased traffic. The location of the ECP is important because it accommodates larger vehicles at peak times and allows SFS Airmen a safe work environment.”
Opening the Harris Road gate was key to reducing high traffic volumes.
“To prevent extended delays, we devised a plan to re-route traffic through the Harris Road gate,” said Morris. “Additionally, the Marshall Road gate was opened to expedite the base entry process during high peak times.”
Even though the gates are manned by the SFS, other squadrons have also done their part to keep the base running.
“Our partnership with the 19th CES, 19th Contracting Squadron, and the Jacksonville Police Department is instrumental in maintaining traffic flow through the Harris and Vandenberg gates,” said Morris. “Without proper planning and effective strategies, it would have been nearly impossible. We value the relationships we have with other organizations and are grateful for the insight of several personnel who came together to make the process efficient.”
Albeit a temporary inconvenience for Team Little Rock, the men and women of the SFS have worked diligently through 24-hour operations to help accommodate the construction.
The SFS team remains committed to providing a safe travel environment for more than 5,000 customers daily. Morris reminds all team members of a few tips to help facilitate the safe, efficient traffic flow.
“Please obey all posted speed limits, signs, and directions of SF members in place as you travel to and from your destinations,” said Morris. “Prepare in advance for traffic delays and detours. Remember, safety is paramount to our entire operation.”
by Airman 1st Class Mercedes Muro
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Airman 1st Class Coty Taylor, a 19th Security Forces Squadron response force member, hands identification back to a driver at the Harris Road gate Aug. 22, 2014, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. Taylor uses the entry control point established at the Harris Road gate to admit authorized personnel on base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mercedes Muro)
Airman 1st Class Charles Byrant, a 19th Security Forces Squadron response force member, verifies identification at the Harris Road gate Aug. 22, 2014, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. Bryant checks IDs at the Harris Road gate to ensure only authorized personnel gain access to the base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mercedes Muro)
