100 SFS, MOD protect RAF Mildenhall one vehicle at a time

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Teresa Pumphrey
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Security Forces are commonly recognized as the main part in force protection at the gates of RAF Mildenhall; however, Ministry of Defence personnel also ensure nothing gets on base that can put freedom's future at risk.

On an average day, 240 vehicles pass through the inspection process at the search barn, said Civilian Security Officer 4 Ian Moore. CSO-4 Moore is the supervisor for all MOD personnel who assist the 100th Security Forces Squadron.

The main customers at the search barn are delivery trucks, British nationals who are doing construction work on RAF Mildenhall and any military member or family member with a temporary vehicle pass. Each vehicle goes through an extensive search process. They are searched inside and out, including the under carriage, using video cameras and the naked eye.

The inspectors are looking for any object or material that can jeopardize the mission of RAF Mildenhall and its personnel.

Earlier this month, 100th SFS and MOD personnel's skills were put to the test. The video cameras displayed what look to be a suspicious package in the under carriage of a vehicle. Civilian Security Officer 5 Mark Osborne saw the package, verified what he saw and evacuated the search barn. Then he alerted the law enforcement desk, and MOD police. Then the British Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was called to the scene. Fortunately the package was harmless.

"You might be surprised at the places people can hide things," said Civilian Security Officer 2 Debbie Kenwright, an area manager for RAFs Mildenhall, Lakenheath and Feltwell.

Besides looking for explosives, inspectors also check for people being smuggled onto base, illegal weapons, contraband and stolen U.S. Government or MOD equipment. They also ensure drivers have all proper and valid documents for their vehicles.

Both MOD and 100th SFS members rely heavily on their five senses; however, there are times that call for technology. For example, a delivery truck pulls into the search barn, and for safety reasons, officials can't check inside the trailer for people being smuggled on base. Two flat, magnetic plates are connected to any metal part on the trailer. The plates will detect the heartbeat of any living creature inside. This machine cues inspectors to call for any necessary back up and apprehend any person or animal in the trailer as safely as possible.

That's a prime example of security forces and MOD working together for the well-being of everyone and everything located on base. When visitors come through the search barn, they see professionals working diligently to protect the base.

"The (security forces) members and MOD officers need to work as one," said CSO-2 Kenwright. "If they send out a signal that they aren't a team, the result can be dangerous."

"We are like one big family," said Staff Sergeant Christopher Cluckey. They have monthly and bi-monthly events during after duty hours, and they look after each other during family illness, according to Staff Sgt. Cluckey.

Joint force protection is achieved one car at a time.