Marines beefing up security at Beaufort bases. Here’s why and what visitors can expect
Security measures at entry gates at military bases across the country — including local bases in Beaufort and Port Royal — are being increased in the wake of violent attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas.
The security changes were ordered by United States Northern Command, which is responsible for defending the continental United States and Alaska, and will affect all military bases.
Taking their marching orders from the Northern Command, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort announced security changes at local bases on Monday. Locally, the enhanced security measures affect the Beaufort Air Station as well as the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and the Naval Hospital in Port Royal.
The Air Station said the upgrades would go into effect immediately. Drivers and visitors, the base said, should expect delays at all entry gates.
Key changes that people will encounter when entering the bases include:
▪ 100% ID Checks: All individuals entering the installations must present a valid Department of Defense identification card, such as a Common Access Card.
▪ The suspension of the Trusted Traveler Program. That program allows uniformed service members, their dependents, Department of Defense employees and retired uniformed service members and spouses with valid Department of Defense identification cards to vouch for vehicle occupants entering an installation. But that convenience will end under the increased security protocols. Individuals without identification will now need to report to the appropriate visitor control center to request access.
▪ Random vehicle inspections will be conducted.
The increased security is a precaution in light of the New Orleans case, in which an Army veteran rammed a pickup into a crowd killing 14 and injuring dozens on New Year’s Day. In a second Jan. 1 incident, another driver blew up a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump hotel in Las Vegas, killing himself and injuring seven people.
“As a commander, my first responsibility is the safety and well-being of everyone who lives and works on our installations,” Col. Mark Bortnem, commanding officer of MCAS Beaufort, said in a statement. “These security measures are necessary to protect our marines, sailors, civilians, and families, and they allow us to remain the most ready when and if our nation calls. I want to thank everyone for their cooperation as we work together to ensure a safe and secure environment for all.”
