HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – 66th Security Forces Squadron officials recently announced the Sartain Gate here will close earlier beginning Sept. 2.
The gate, formerly known as the Vandenberg Gate, will operate from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
“Security Forces is a force protection capability that is an enabling asset in the Air Force and throughout the Department of Defense,” said Maj. Shane Watts, 66 SFS commander. “We pride ourselves in pursuing efficiencies that are appropriately balanced with the safety and security of DOD assets, personnel and property.”
The change follows SFS officials collecting traffic data.
“We recognized an opportunity to increase our first responder capabilities and policing presence across the installation by adjusting the gate hours,” said Watts. “The advantages gained will have a positive impact on the Hanscom community we proudly serve.”
The Ruiz Gate will continue to operate 24 hours daily.
Earlier this month, officials expanded the hours of the Commercial Vehicle Search Area to include Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“This change was in response to the high demand for weekend housing deliveries, Base Exchange, Commissary and other commercial vehicle customers,” said 1st Lt. Steven Robinson, 66 SFS Operations officer.
According to SFS officials, commercial vehicles and deliveries are not permitted on Sunday.
The Visitor Center will remain open from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. except federal holidays, when it is closed. Personnel who need Defense Biometric Identification System, or DBIDS, issue and renewal can visit the Visitor Center for from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For further information, contact the 66 SFS Police Services section at 781-225-5613 or visit https://www.hanscom.af.mil/Units/66th-Security-Forces-Squadron/.