CHARLESTON AFB, S.C. –
Base officials announced Monday that the six-week construction of the vehicle search area at the Rivers gate was now complete.
With the aid of new technology and a few force protection upgrades to the existing vehicle search area, security forces Airmen performing duties in the new inspection area are now capable of inspecting approximately 80 vehicles or 120 people per hour expediting the vehicle search process.
The upgrades to the VSA included widening of the previous vehicle search area roadway to accommodate larger profile vehicles into the search area and the creation of an additional overflow traffic lane to allow more vehicles to enter the vehicle search at one time without impeding traffic on Arthur Blvd.
The most significant upgrade to the VSA was the installation of a new multi-view cargo and X-ray vehicle screening system.
Vehicles will now pass through the vehicle search system where they will be scanned by an overhead and side-mounted X-ray scanner that transmits clear photo-like images of the vehicle and its contents to system operators at the search area.
The system gives the VSA members a clearly defined image of the vehicle and its contents. From these images security force members at the VSA can review the image to see if there is anything illegal present.
"The new multi-view cargo and X-ray vehicle screening system will now allow security forces Airmen to conduct an even more thorough examination of vehicles entering the search pit," said Capt. Dana Metzger, 437 SFS operations officer. "This new system allows us safely to inspect cars, vans, trucks, palletized cargo and air and sea shipping containers, allowing the vehicle inspectors to view what is present in each vehicle."
After the scan is complete, not only does the machine provide a detailed image of the vehicle and its contents, but it automatically highlights organic materials such as explosives, illegal drugs and other contraband and metallic-like items such as metal, copper, guns and knives.
Capt. Metzger said that in addition to detecting organic and metallic-like materials, the X-ray machine also detects any radiation that exceeds normal standards.
"The new X-ray machine allows security forces to detect even the smallest amount of radiation coming onto the installation," said Captain Metzger. "These force protection upgrades make it safer for everyone on Charleston AFB because we have the most up-to-date technology protecting us, being handled by the best SF unit in the Air Force."
The new force protection upgrades at the Rivers gate will provide the 437 SFS with an additional line of detection in which to prevent unauthorized personnel or hazardous items from entering the base.
"The new detection capability at the Rivers gate enhances the overall base security for our assets, Airmen, and families," said Lt. Col. Seth McKee, 437 SFS commander. "This new system will allow security forces to have an immediate visual assessment of vehicles entering the base, preventing terrorist or unlawful activities from occurring on Charleston AFB.