Strict Security at Bases Snarls Traffic, Spurs Extra Caution

Heightened security alerts at area military bases kicked into gear Thursday, snarling traffic and causing military personnel to be more careful when wearing uniforms off base.

At a screening of “Flight of the Intruder” that a number of military personnel planned to attend Thursday night, officials spread the word that no one should show up in uniform--an effort to avoid creating a possible terrorist target.

Across the region, military bases exercised vigilance. Cement barriers were installed to protect the docked aircraft carrier Independence, Navy divers took to the harbor on the North Island side of San Diego harbor, and guards began inspecting carry-on luggage.

There was a two-mile-long backup of traffic along Rosecrans Street as vehicles entering Navy facilities on Pt. Loma were checked closely by security personnel.

At Miramar Naval Air Station, traffic was backed up more than usual, said Chief Petty Officer Bobbie Carleton, a base spokeswoman.

And, at North Island Naval Air Station, eight guards were posted about 50 feet from the gates and two more were posted at the installation’s turn-off to orchestrate traffic. An additional lane was opened to allow traffic to keep traffic moving.

Those who did not have their identification cards were not allowed on the base. One young woman was stopped from driving her boyfriend onto the base because she had no military identification card. Two men found themselves waved away from the gates when they could not provide identification. One had left his on base; the other had forgotten his at home. “Oh, well, I flew out the door without mine,” said the first.

Most military personnel were polite about the new security measures--and many seemed to have heeded requests to car-pool.

“People are responding well--they understand we have a job to do,” Petty Officer Karen Holly said. “But, if someone wants to get on base badly enough, they are going to do it.”