Air base returning to normal

Thursday, Sept. 13, 2001 | 10:20 a.m.

Operations at Nellis Air Force Base today are returning to some form of normalcy, although officials say the facility remains on heightened security.

A base spokesman said that while Nellis is always on standby to send troops and equipment where needed, no such orders have come down since the terrorist acts in New York City and Washington, D.C., Tuesday morning.

"We have had a number of people asking (about possible troop deployments), and of course being in the military you are always on standby, but we have received nothing (no orders)," said Master Sgt. Charles Ramey, a base spokesman.

He said that while Nellis is one of the largest Air Force bases in the nation, its mission is primarily training, though there are a number of airmen skilled in specialty roles. Still, Ramey said, none have been ordered to deploy anywhere as of today.

Nellis -- the home of the Air Warfare Center, the U.S. Air Force Weapons Fighter School, and the Air Force's aerial demonstration squadron, the Thunderbirds -- has contributed to combat efforts in Bosnia, Kosovo, the Persian Gulf and other war-torn regions.

On Wednesday afternoon the base was placed on Forced Protection Level Charlie, one step below the highest level of alert, Delta, where Nellis had been since an hour after the tragedies.

Both heightened levels of awareness mean that there is restricted movement around and tighter security on the base.

On Wednesday security policemen, using mirrors, checked the undersides of cars for bombs as the vehicles entered Nellis' main gate -- the only point of entry open. Entrance was limited to essential personnel. Stores were closed and recreational facilities were shut down.

Additional gates and base retail outlets were scheduled to open today. But other normal operations were being curtailed or delayed, as security remained prominent in the minds of base officials.

"We will probably not be flying (Thursday)," Maj. Gen. L.D. Johnston, commander of the Air Warfare Center, said through an aide. "We are continually assessing the situation and plan to possibly resume flying Friday."

Members of the public, such as military retirees who normally shop at the commissary, are being asked not venture out to the base for at least one more day.

"While many Nellis facilities will reopen Thursday, (we) ask only those having official business enter the base," Master Sgt. Richard Covington, a base spokesman, said. "Expect delays at all gates."

The gates that will be open and the hours of operation:

* Main gate on Craig Road, 24 hours.

* Tyndall gate on Nellis Boulevard, inbound only, 5 a.m.-10 p.m.

* Area II gate, contractors and vendors only, 6 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Nellis facilities that will be open, what services will be provided and the hours of operation:

* Army, Air Force Exchange Service facilities, including the base service station, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

* Base commissary, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

* Mike O'Callaghan Federal Hospital, only for urgent and emergency care.

* The main and satellite pharmacies, normal hours.