Moody limits Perimeter Road access due to explosive clear zone growth

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Parker Gyokeres
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  In an effort to increase safety around Moody's munitions storage area, North Perimeter Road has been closed to all non mission-essential traffic between the aircraft control tower and Range Road

"Due to the increase in munitions type and quantity for the newly arrived A-10C's, there is an increase in a potential loss of life in an explosive mishap," said Pete Falkenhausen 23rd Wing chief of weapons safety. "The only way to reduce the risk to an acceptable level is to limit access to the explosive clear zone to mission-essential personnel only."

Only Airmen working in the munitions storage area, or individuals directly related to on-going operations at the hot cargo pad, live ordnance load area, hot gun berm, or suspect vehicle inspection area will be authorized on North Perimeter Road.

Warning signs will be erected at both entry areas to this explosive clear zone to alert non mission-essential traffic away from the area, said Capt. Dave Cohen, 23rd Security Forces Squadron operations officer.

"Beginning Sept. 24, the 23rd SFS will be issuing verbal warnings to non mission-essential Airmen who are attempting to transit the explosive clear zone," said Captain Cohen.

"Mission-essential" is qualified as individuals whose duties require them to operate inside the clear zone, such as emergency responders, maintenance and communications teams, wing safety and quality assurance inspectors.

"Airmen are authorized to enter if they are transiting past, but not stopping inside, the explosive clear zone to conduct military training exercises in a government operated vehicle," said Captain Cohen. "They may also enter when transporting weapons, explosives or equipment to approved training areas in a GOV."

"Non-mission essential" includes any military member, on or off-duty, operating a GOV or personally operated vehicle, who does not meet one of the above requirements or has no direct mission-related need to be in the area.

Civilians, dependents, retirees, and guests are not authorized in the explosive clear zone, nor are individuals or groups performing physical training, marches or formations.

"A simple rule of thumb is; if there isn't a running trail along the section of Perimeter Road, then you are in a section where only mission-essential personnel are authorized," said Captain Cohen.