CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Inquiry: Are there guidelines for vehicles entering the Dorchester Road main gate? There is a sign on Dorchester Road which states, "CAFB Contractors and Commercial Vehicles Entry at Rivers Gate via Aviation Avenue." When we attempted to enter the gate with our 21-foot boat and trailer to get gas, we were turned away and told we had to enter through the Rivers [Avenue] gate. We could exit the Dorchester Road gate but not enter. It would not have been frustrating had we been aware, but we have worked on base since 1996 and have never heard nor have been told that boats must go through the back gate. Please publish the [entry procedures] for vehicles entering the Dorchester Road gate.
Response: Thank you for your inquiry. The 437th Security Forces Squadron started requiring all vehicles pulling trailers or recreational vehicles to process through the Rivers Avenue main gate once the state-of-the-art X-ray scanner came on line. This allows the ability to rapidly process entry control, while assuring thorough force protection checks are being conducted of all inbound personnel and vehicles. However, as you pointed out, there is not appropriate signage posted on Dorchester Road. The 437th Civil Engineer Squadron is developing signs adjusted to include all tow vehicles to avoid any more inconvenience for those not familiar with the process. I apologize for not having the procedure publicized better, I know your time is valuable. Thanks for bringing up your concerns to make it easier for others.