Kadena beefs up security

  • Published
  • By Capt. Gerardo Gonzalez
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Military installations around U.S. Pacific Command are beefing up security to protect against potential terrorist activity and Kadena Air Base is following suit, said one of the installation's anti-terrorism experts June 18.

Officials here are taking extra steps to strengthen security throughout Kadena and are asking the base population to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity on-base or off. 

"PACOM has asked us to increase our vigilance and heighten our awareness," said Christian Honkanen, 18th Wing antiterrorism officer. "Our force protection here is spot-on but we can always be extra watchful." 

Although no specific threats exist for Kadena, the recent capture of alleged terrorists plotting attacks at Fort Dix, N.J. indicates that any military installation can be a potential target, said Kadena's top cop. 

"A little bit of extra caution can pay off in the long run," said Lt. Col. Greg Foster, 18th Security Forces Squadron commander. 

Those driving inside Kadena can expect to see certain changes affecting traffic patterns resulting from the extra security measures, said the commander. 

"We'll be blocking certain streets, areas and conducting other measures," said Colonel Foster. "It's all part of hardening our security posture even more." 

The commander asks the base population to have patience and plan accordingly when driving on and into Kadena. Some delays are possible at certain times. 

Base officials also ask that everyone remain vigilant for suspicious activity on and off-base. 

"By maximizing the use of the 'Eagle Eyes' program, we increase our ability to detect and defend against our adversaries," said Mr. Honkanen. "Under Eagle Eyes, everyone, military or family member, becomes a sensor." 

Eagle Eyes is an Air Force Office of Special Investigation anti-terrorism initiative that enlists the eyes and ears of Air Force members to help prevent terrorist and criminal activity. 

"Please encourage people to call us," said Special Agent Steven Fangel, AFOSI Detachment 624, during a recent meeting with unit security officials. "Let the 18th SFS or OSI take the information and we'll sort through it." 

Agent Fangel encourages everyone to report anything that doesn't seem right or seems out of place, even if it seems minor. What may seem minor to the average person may not be, he said. 

Anyone looking to report suspicious activity during normal duty hours may contact the AFOSI duty agent at 634-5314 or anytime through the Kadena Law Enforcement Desk at 634-2475/2476.