LANGLEY AFB, VA. –
In order to increase security around 1st Fighter Wing aircraft, the east ramp airfield red line, previously termed the restricted area line, has been extended to include the flightline road in front of the three new F-22 Raptor hangars, said Chief Master Sgt. Horatio Watson, 1st Operations Support Squadron airfield manager.
The extension of the red line is two-fold: increase security around the F-22 hangars and reduce and/or eliminate foreign object debris on the airfield.
"With the bed-down of the F-22 and having a continuous 'improve security' mentality, relocating the restricted area line ... provides an increased level of security without increasing manpower resources," Chief Watson said.
Previously, the line bordered the outside of the flightline road from the Raptor Café eastward to building 758, allowing a number of vehicles and pedestrians close proximity to 1st FW aircraft assets, the chief said.
As a result of the relocation, the number of privately owned and commercial vehicles traversing along the flightline road has dramatically reduced. In fact, delivery drivers must now use Danforth Avenue, which borders the rear of the hangars, and be escorted by an authorized restricted area badge holder.
To secure the area further, for the first time in Langley history, serpentine barriers have been added to two key restricted area entry points on the east apron. The barriers provide another layer of security, forcing vehicles to slow down and drive in an S-curved fashion to enter the restricted area.
With change, comes growing pains. To prevent improper entry onto the flight line, the first two weeks of August were used to educate all airfield users on the new entry procedures, via commanders, roll calls, briefings and e-mails, Chief Watson said.
Though no one has been formally reprimanded thus far, verbal notifications have been given to unauthorized vehicles that inadvertently enter the restricted area.
"As the transition has been successful, the restricted area is now being strictly enforced," Chief Watson said.
Therefore, all restricted area badge holders are responsible for knowing the location of the designated entry control points or prepare for a shake down by 1st Security Forces Squadron personnel.