Blue Angels See Increase in Security Measures

Blue Angels See Increase in Security Measures

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Mar 02, 2016

Fifteen years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, more than eight years after the shooting at Fort Hood, Texas and now in the midst of the attacks on Paris and San Bernardino, Pensacola Naval Air Station, home of the Navy’s popular Blue Angels, will be finally restricting access to the base.

The nation’s first naval air station in Pensacola, Florida has decided to  enact strict new, permanent security measures intended to separate the nearly  1 million tourists who visit the base each year from the thousands of sailors, Marines and other military employees who work on the base.  

Security expert are surprised it took this long for the base to realize the new security measures were needed. The previously open environment at the base is a reminder of how the bases used to be run, but today, all military installations, as well as anyone in a uniform, is a target.

In the past, base officials worked to prioritize safety while accommodating the steady flow of tourists, but now they have installed physical barriers that will keep the public away from military operations.

The base now has separate entrance gates, one for military members and base employees and another for tourists and other visitors. The gates are about three miles apart.

Visitors will have to show identification and carry a visitor pass issued in their name. The pass must be present to security officials at their destination, and anyone visiting military buildings or training areas must be issued a special visitors pass and be escorted.

Separating the tourists from its military operations has been complicated due to the close proximity of recreational areas to military buildings, but all those involved believe the new security measures are long overdue.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.