JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
Most service members know the importance of keeping a low profile while traveling abroad, but many don’t consider the dangers of traveling while at home station.
Regardless of location, it is important to remain situationally aware and know available options in case of emergency while travelling. If the use of a personally owned vehicle is not available or practical, a taxi cab service may be the best option for transportation. However, these services could be potentially dangerous too.
At Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, the process of accessing the installation via taxi has been balanced to offer the maximum amount of safety and security for the entire populace, while still allowing the need to use these services.
Minor changes have taken place in the past week concerning taxi drivers and base access. The smoothest transition onto Langley AFB occurs when service members use taxi companies with pre-vetted employees.
Currently, Yellow Cab and Waterside taxi companies maintain a combined total of 49 pre-vetted drivers who are on an entry authority list, which grants them unescorted access when picking up or dropping off customers. This precludes them from having to conduct a criminal background check prior to entry; making the process much faster for base personnel.
Additionally, any cab driver who has an authorized Department of Defense credential to enter Joint Base Langley-Eustis may use that identification to gain access while in service as a cab driver. If the driver is not in possession of an authorized ID or on the entry authorization list, they must have a criminal background check, which will be accomplished at the gate instead of the visitor control center. Once a successful check is complete, they will be granted unescorted privileges to drop off or pick up passengers with no secondary stops.