Columbus AFB opens new main gate

  • Published
  • By Sonic Johnson
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Columbus Air Force Base leaders gathered Friday to commemorate the completion of yet another base construction project .

The red ribbon across the new Main Gate was officially cut April 30 by 14th Flying Training Wing Commander Col. Roger Watkins and deputy 14th Mission Support Group Deputy Commander Col. Mike Dilda. Newly arrived 14th Civil Engineer Squadron Commander Lt. Col Mike Harner anchored one end of the ribbon representing all the agencies and companies that took part in the construction of the gate. Maj. Derrick Ossmann, 14th Security Forces Squadron commander, anchored the other end of the ribbon, representing nearly 100 Security Forces squadron members, many of whom will call the new Main Gate their "office."

The $1.7 million project features enhanced security measures required after September 11, 2001. The project includes a new gate facility, covered inspection area for large vehicles and deliveries and an integrated roadway vehicle denial barrier system. The facilities architectural design reflects the Columbus Air Force Base "Showplace of the South" standard that integrates architectural themes present in downtown Columbus, Mississippi University for Women and Mississippi State University.

May kicks off the Air Force Motorcycle Safety Awareness month. The first vehicle through the main gate after the ribbon cutting was a motorcycle ridden by Mr. Randy Putnam. Putnam, 14th FTW Aircraft Maintenance Quality Assurance Evaluator, is the Senior Motorcycle Instructor, now called Rider Coaches, for Wing Safety.

Putnam, rolling through the gate on his 2000 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic, is also the chapter six president of the Green Knights, a USAF sanctioned motorcycle safety club. The Green Knight will have an informational motorcycle safety display at the upcoming Air Show and Open House and interested riders may join then.

"The completion of the main gate construction project brings both of our gates up to the force protection standards required after 9-11," said Colonel Watkins. "In addition, not only does it provide a better work environment for our Security Forces personnel, but it is another forward step in our architectural 2030 plan of making Columbus AFB the Showplace of the South."