Air Show Safety: top priority

Published April 4, 2017
By Senior Airman Solomon Cook
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 325th Security Forces Squadron personnel and planners are in full swing as 2017 Gulf Coast Salute Air Show and Open House slated for April 22 and 23 at Tyndall Air Force Base looms near.

To ensure the safety of patrons, performers, Air Force personnel and the base, the squadron has been reviewing security measures, to include providing a list of prohibited items and working with local and federal agencies, to offer a fun environment for the event without compromising force protection.

“Obviously with an open house, we will be expecting a massive influx of people coming to visit and watch the show,” said 1st Lt. Jared Hafich, 325th Security Forces Squadron operations officer. “Security is our foremost concern, we are looking at having a safe and successful show for all patrons, performers, and Air Force and support personnel.”

“With that in mind, 325th SFS personnel have been working tirelessly over the last several months to ensure we are able to properly plan, coordinate, exercise and eventually execute for safety of the air show,” Hafich added.

As this year’s air show will fall in the timeframe as the 70th anniversary of the Air Forces designation, the 2017 Gulf Coast Salute has been touted by some as a flagship event for both the Air Force and Air Combat Command.

The 325th Fighter Wing officially estimated over 55,000 people attended the air show in 2015. Using this data and experience from the previous event, the 325th SFS modified their planning for this year’s air show.

“We are going to have people on all routes of travel – all roads, walkways, paths, gathering areas and parking lots to ensure every area of this installation is safe at all times,” Hafich said. “All hands are going to be on deck, to include security forces trained auxiliary personnel. The Bay County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, and various other Federal law enforcement agencies will be on stand-by to assist us.”

“From a security standpoint, there are do’s and don’ts. First, do have fun, but if you see anything unsafe, suspicious or illegal, contact the nearest security forces member you see,” Hafich said. “With that being said, follow all instructions and directions of the security forces personnel not just during emergencies, but at all times.”

To enhance security and expedite entry into Tyndall, the 325th SFS also drafted a list of prohibited items:
• Backpacks, ice chests and coolers.

• Any bags larger than a small purse or fanny pack. This includes duffle bags, briefcases, and large camera bags

• ALL weapons (regardless of permit) including: firearms, knives (including pocket knives and multi-tools), walking sticks (except for handicap use) and all other items that our security forces deem dangerous. Confiscated items will not be returned.

• Alcoholic beverages

• Pets (other than service animals)

• Glass containers

• Bicycles, roller skates, roller blades or skateboards

• Illegal drugs

• UAVs/Drones and remote controlled airplanes of any kind

For the latest air show news and updates visit: http://www.gulfcoastsalute.com/

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