DEAR PROBE
Q I understand security protocols for getting onto Naval Air Facility El Centro have changed recently. Apparently a scheduled Navy League dinner was bumped as a result. I suppose it makes sense to update the public on what protocols are required if they are planning to visit the base. — Wanting to Know, El Centro
A “Security protocols do indeed change from time to time. And as things change the base asks those who desire to be sponsored onto the facility to work with our security people in meeting the requirements,” said Naval Air Facility El Centro Public Affairs Officer Kristopher K. Haugh in an email.
“With respect to the Navy League meeting scheduled for November, NAF El Centro is saddened to hear that they cancelled their meeting on the base. The Sailors and civilians at the command deeply value the partnership we have and have had for many years,” he added.
In general, for base access, a person needs to be:
1. An active duty military member or a dependent of the member and possess a valid military/dependent ID card
2. A retired military service member or a dependent of the member and possess a valid retired military/dependent ID card
3. A Reservist in an active drill status
4. A veteran with 100 percent disability and the appropriate ID card
5. A Gold Star Family member with the appropriate ID card
6. An employee of the base during their normal working hours or as extended due to special events. This includes civil servants, MWR employees and contractors
7. Physically escorted onto the base by a person who has escort privileges, such as when the public affairs officer schedules a tour of the base for schools
8. Complete a SECNAV 5512 form for a base pass. For those completing this, they must still be sponsored onto the base by an authorized member.
“In very limited and controlled cases, such as the annual Blue Angels Entertainment and Food Fest, Blue Angels air show, and Holiday Parade of Lights, the commanding officer can open the base to the public,” Haugh said. “There is no general visitation permission. People from the local community or other groups cannot simply come onto the installation. This is an active military base, executing its primary mission of providing services and training facilities to military aviation and other units,” he continued.
“The main thing for people to understand is that they need to contact us early and be prepared to submit all of the necessary paperwork for security to grant access to the base,” Haugh wrote.