HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The newly constructed Sartain Gate entry control point is officially open following a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Massachusetts government officials and base leaders here July 16.
Col. Jorge Jimenez, installation commander, joined Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Col. Justin Pabis, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New England District, to mark the occasion.
“We’re proud of this new gate [complex],” said Jimenez. “It’s a significant upgrade in security and efficiency, as well as improved traffic flow to the visitor’s center and the commercial vehicle search area.”
Completion of the project strengthens security infrastructure and enhances access for personnel and visitors who use the gate daily.
The $19.6 million Sartain Gate Complex project broke ground in 2022 and was managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The broader project included a new commercial vehicle inspection area, a new Visitor Center, an overwatch guard station, and a reinforced gate canopy.
Designed with both safety and efficiency in mind, the complex is expected to reduce traffic congestion, streamline deliveries, and bolster the installation’s overall security posture.
The facility replaces aging infrastructure and brings the entry control point in line with current Department of Defense anti-terrorism and force protection standards.
The governor highlighted the longstanding relationship between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Department of Defense, reaffirming the state’s commitment to national security and innovation.
“Hanscom is a key innovation hub for the Air Force and for our nation, with thousands of people working every day on critical national security needs,” said Governor Healey. “What happens here drives solutions to national security challenges and job creation across our state. That's why it's so great to celebrate this new and improved Sartain Gate and visitor's center today, which is a testament to our commitment to collaboration between state, local, federal, industry and agency partners.”
Hanscom AFB is the Air Force’s only active duty installation in New England and New York, supporting a wide range of acquisition missions through partnerships with industry and academia.
The Sartain Gate Complex was made possible in part by a land gift from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Pabis emphasized the importance of interagency collaboration and technical coordination throughout the project.
“This military construction project is crucial to ensuring the safety and security of the Airmen and all those who work and reside at Hanscom,” he said. “U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has proudly supported our warfighters for 250 years and we look forward to serving them in the future.”
The gate is named in honor of Senior Airman Nathan Sartain, a 66th Security Forces Squadron defender who was killed in an aircraft accident while deployed overseas in Afghanistan. Senior Airman Kcey Ruiz, whom the Ruiz Gate is named after, was killed in the same accident.
While the new entry control point is now operational, drivers are advised to remain aware of ongoing construction, lane shifts, and posted signage along Hanscom Drive.
Beginning July 17, nightly lane closures on Hanscom Drive will take place through July 31 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Motorists should be prepared for alternating traffic or detours as crews conduct pavement resurfacing and maintenance.