Multi-gate construction project nears completion

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Nicole Langley
  • 436th Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  After years of planning and a construction project in the works since June 2004, a special ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Oct. 25 to signify the official opening of Dover Air Force Base’s Main Gate.

“This culminates years of planning,” said Lt. Col. Mark Ruse, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron commander. “It brings Dover Air Force Base up to date.”

Adding to the significance of the event was the attendance of Col. Jim Brackett, Air Mobility Command assistant director of installations and mission support, and a Humvee used to cut the ribbon.

According to Colonel Brackett, the majority of bases in AMC are undergoing construction and remodeling of their gates.

“After 9-11, we realized we didn’t have an adequate level of protection at our bases,” he said.

Colonel Ruse explained that the Main Gate, along with the other renovated gates, has several new features, including new technology and layers of deterrents. A few of those deterrents include pop-up spikes on both sides of the road, an automatic popup barrier system and an overwatch building.

Combined, the layers work to prevent unwanted vehicles from getting onto the base.
The new off-base access to the Visitor’s Center adds another layer of protection, ensuring that nobody gets through the gates without the proper authority. In addition to the protection the new gates offer the base, they also provide adequate protection from the elements for the security forces troops working at the gate. In particular, with winter on its way, the troops will now be protected from the harsh weather.

Colonel Brackett explained that in order for security forces members working at the gates to be at their peak and able to spot potential threats and suspicious activities, they need to be protected from the weather so they aren’t distracted by their own discomfort.

According to Colonel Ruse, all of the gates on base are scheduled to be opened within the next few weeks, and with that, he said everyone can be more comfortable and confident in the security that is provided.