Detection systems keep critical Air Force assets safe

  • Published
  • By Patty Welsh
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  A program office here is ensuring U.S. Air Force critical assets have increased protection with the recent completion of two projects.

Last month, the Force Protection Division concluded government acceptance testing on Intrusion Detection Systems at Sioux City Air National Guard Base, Iowa, and Toledo Air National Guard Base, Ohio.

"The purpose of these systems is to augment the role of security forces personnel on the base to ensure priority resources are protected," said Jason Hamblen, project lead. "The IDS automatically detects an intruder approaching a restricted area boundary and notifies security forces personnel at the Base Defense Operations Center with an alarm and video so they can have a visual of what is happening."

The Security Forces Squadron Commander at Sioux City ANGB, Maj. Brandon East, also emphasized the importance of the IDS.

"Our IDS has increased our flightline security tenfold," he said. "The high-definition cameras provide crystal clear images of the situation enabling the BDOC controller to have a much better understanding of what is going on. The sensor system provides immediate information on the perimeter breach with the cameras panning to that specific location; reaction time has been cut tremendously."

The electronic security systems consist of items such as sensors and assessment systems (closed circuit television systems) and alarm displays to enhance security and improve situational awareness. At Sioux City, the system is helping to protect KC-135 tankers, while at Toledo the system is enhancing the security of F-16 fighters.

Hanscom program officials said working with the Air National Guard members was extremely helpful as they contributed to the overall success of the project. For instance, the fence that was at Toledo at the beginning of the project could not function properly as a sensor platform. The Toledo Civil Engineering personnel not only worked with their installation to secure funding for a new fence (sensor platform) within a short period of time, they also worked with Hanscom's Force Protection Division's quality assurance engineer to ensure the fence would be constructed to the sensor platform standard. In another example, the Toledo and Sioux City Communications Squadron personnel ensured necessary communications infrastructure was available for use by the new IDS.

"Often when you are working at an active duty base, the personnel deploy or change during the duration of the project," said Tom Gaglione, requirements manager. "By working with the guard, we were able to interface with the same people, providing continuity from the beginning of the project to the end."

Another challenge was dealing with the geography at the Toledo location. Due to the configuration of the restricted area boundary, multiple types of sensors were required to secure the area. Using these different sensors allowed the Force Protection Division to provide the most effective line of detection possible.

Senior Master Sgt. John Rodgers of the Ohio Air National Guard said, "Without the dedication and attention afforded us by Hanscom, this project could have been a logistical and operational nightmare. From initial visit to design, then the bidding process to final construction, training and acceptance, the Hanscom team was infallible in their ability to provide us, the 180th Fighter Wing, with precise and timely guidance and advice."

And all the preparations ahead of time paid off.

"By deliberate planning and incorporating risk mitigation throughout, we were able to identify problems early and stay on schedule," said Gaglione.

During the GAT, both sites were tested, evaluated and approved on the first attempt, which and demonstrated the quality of the overall installation of the IDS.

"Although these were National Guard bases, the installs and testing were just as complicated as the work done on a large, active duty installation," said Gaglione. "The quality of the work was noted by the test directors - and by the successful results."

Both projects finished within budget and inside their period of performance.

"This is especially important in this budget environment where all spending is highly scrutinized and we want to maximize the value delivered to the warfighter," said Hamblen.

The two systems were delivered as part of the Force Protection Security System, or FPS2, contract. The FPS2 is an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract designed to expedite fielding of security systems for assets critical to national security, while still ensuring award competition which drives down government costs.

"We are pleased the installation contractor was able to provide good quality work in a short period of time," said Hamblen. "The IDS installed at each base allows the Security Forces professionals to see first, understand first and act first."

Additional IDS projects are ongoing at Whiteman AFB, Mo., Offutt AFB, Neb., Joint Base Andrews, Md., Beale AFB, Calif., Cannon AFB, N.M., Fairchild AFB, Wash., Joint Base Cape Cod, Mass., Hurlburt Field, Fla., and in the Air Forces Central area of responsibility.