JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
As members of the Joint Base San Antonio community grapple with the challenges of shielding themselves and their families during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the 902nd Security Forces Squadron at JBSA-Randolph is ramping up its efforts to provide another layer of protection.
In line with Health Protection Condition Bravo, the squadron has taken several steps to protect its defenders and the JBSA-Randolph community, said Lt. Col. Dennis Trutwin, 902nd SFS commander.
“For instance, we’ve minimized the exposure potential by limiting the amount of personnel allowed at one time within the visitor center,” he said. “In addition, defenders across the base, regardless of duty position, are provided personal protective equipment to include masks and gloves.”
The 902nd SFS is taking other steps that also follow the advice of health care professionals.
“Internally, we’ve taken steps to continually sanitize and disinfect equipment, high-traffic areas and common-use surfaces,” Trutwin said. “The nature of our profession does not allow us to telework, so we’ve divided our staff into shifts to support social distancing while at the same time ensuring our support to mission partners and the community does not miss a beat.”
The squadron also strives for social distancing while interacting with the community – a recommended measure that is sometimes difficult, Trutwin said.
“The 902nd SFS will continue to practice social distancing as much as possible,” he said. “Unfortunately, sometimes our job requires us to get a little close and personal.”
New gate-entry procedures provide additional protection, Trutwin said.
“We’ve posted new procedures at the gate that ask commuters to present their ID and help our defenders avoid handling several thousand IDs per day,” he said.
The three-step process requires commuters to display the barcode on their ID card and the picture on their ID card before waiting for the order to proceed.
Gate hours are unchanged, Trutwin said, but he also noted that the Lindsey Gate – the main gate to the location – will reopen March 23 after completion of a construction project that finished ahead of schedule.
The 902nd SFS commander also asked for the community’s assistance.
“We depend on our community to remain our eyes and ears,” he said. “If you see something, say something and contact the Base Defense Operations Center at 210-652-5500.”
The pandemic does not change the squadron’s commitment to the community, Trutwin said.
“No matter how bad the situation gets, there will always be defenders securing the perimeter and ready to respond when called,” he said.