Shaw defender's security measures prove effective

by Airman 1st Class Jensen Stidham
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

8/4/2014 - SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Airmen from the 20th Security Forces Squadron prevented an unauthorized weapon from entering the installation here, July 24.

Security forces Airmen found a 9mm handgun along with 17 rounds of ammunition on the inside of a commercially driven truck.

"We really don't think the individual meant to bring the weapon on base," said Staff Sgt. Timothy Michaud, 20th SFS NCO in charge of the commercial vehicle inspection area. "It was his first time coming onto the base so we think it was probably just an accident."

During 12-hour shifts, 20th SFS Airmen thoroughly search every commercial vehicle that attempts to gain entry to the base.

"We're searching for any type of explosives, weapons, ammunition, drugs or alcohol as well as running background checks on all individuals attempting to gain access," said Michaud. "We open up all compartments of the vehicle to look through every item inside to make sure it's allowed on the installation."

If security forces Airmen find anything that cannot enter the base, they either confiscate it or turn the driver around and make them leave, said Michaud.

"In this case with the weapon, we put the handgun in a compartment in the back of the truck, separate from the ammunition, and made him leave the base," he continued.

Although the owner of the weapon may not have had ill intent, security forces were able to display the effectiveness of the daily measures taken to safeguard Team Shaw.

"Our job is to conduct thorough inspections on every single vehicle that comes onto base," said Senior Airman Ilya Makarenko, 20th SFS installation entry controller. "It's a good feeling, knowing that we may have helped stop a potential threat to the base."

For those unfamiliar with the installation, it is important to know the rules for bringing weapons onto the base. In this season of high permanent change of stations, may new-comers will pass through the gates. Security forces remind new and seasoned Shaw patrons of weapon regulations.


"Housing and dorm residents are allowed to possess weapons on Shaw AFB," said Lt. Col. Christopher Sheffield, 20th SFS commander. "However, dorm residents must store their firearms in the security forces armory. Residents of base housing may store their weapons in their houses, only after registering each with Security Forces. Base personnel may only transport firearms on Shaw AFB while traveling from their residence or the Security Forces Armory and proceeding directly off of the installation or to the Rod and Gun Club, no one is authorized to carry a firearm in a concealed capacity at any time while on Shaw AFB. Furthermore, base personnel may possess knives, but the blade can't be longer than three inches."