Front Gate transforms for Force Protection

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Roberto Modelo
  • 911th Public Affairs
PITTSBURGH IAP ARS --  A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held here to mark the opening of the 911th Airlift Wing's "Veterans Gate" July 9, 2008. 
The new gate, which has been under construction since October 2007, marks the completion of the first phase to update the main entrance to the 911th AW. 
"The first day went very well," said Maj. John Bojanac, 911th Security Forces Squadron commander. 
Col. Gordon H. Elwell, Jr., commander  of the 911th AW, and Col. Steven Zander, the deputy director of installation and mission support with Air Force Reserve Command, cut the ribbon stretched across the gate entrance. 

Tech. Sgt. Mike Boehning, a patrolman with the 911th SFS, was the first Security Forces member to post at the gate. He verified the first vehicle driven on to base, the 911th AW's Vice Commander, Col. Thomas Kittler. 

"It keeps us out of the elements," Tech. Sgt. Boehning said of the new gate. "It has a more professional look." 

"Since 9/11 we have had to refocus our tactics, techniques and procedures to better protect the installation," said Maj. Bojanac. 

With that focus in mind, the first phase of the gate construction includes many new additions that will allow Security Forces posted at the gate to better perform their duties and to better protect the 911th AW. The new gate includes bullet-proof windows, heated outside areas for the winter time, and an overhead ceiling to protect those at the gate and those entering the gate from the elements. Another new feature is the vehicle barrier system. 

"A 'pop up' vehicle barrier system has been installed in the roadway and would only be used in an emergency," explained Mr. Robert G. Clifford, a general engineer with the 911th Civil Engineering. 

"So far the feedback back has been excellent from our troops posted there," said Maj. Bojanac. "They are happy for the vast improvements that have been done," he added.
Phase two has already begun, with the construction of the visitor center and the vehicle inspection center. 

The third and fourth phases, scheduled to be completed in the fall, will include the construction of a traffic circle.