Airfield safety presents year-round challenges Published July 16, 2008 By TSgt Chuck Marsh Keesler Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. -- During the 101 Critical Days of Summer -- Memorial Day to Labor Day -- many activities are highlighted because of seasonal challenges and the possibility of injuries. Some issues, however, have year-round safety concerns, such as the airfield and its associated surroundings. With the entire base encompassing only about 2.6 square miles, it's easy to be close to or travel around the airfield either for work or recreation. These areas include the airfield, perimeter roads, running track and golf course. Inherent dangers Those who work on the flightline and around the aircraft are reminded of dangers daily, but other base members and family members don't get the same safety briefings and can be less informed about the inherent dangers that surround an operational airfield. "I've been in the safety office here for 30 years and during the past year we've had more runway intrusions than I can ever remember," said Virgil Mitchell, chief of safety. "During the past year we have had a large increase in the number of people that have intruded into the airfield area of operations including controlled-movement area violations." Restricted areas "Flight operations present unique hazards and personnel must have knowledge of the proper procedures to use when on or near these areas," he continued. "The base has marked areas with signs and signals that are restricted and off limits without proper authorization." A runway intrusion is defined as "any occurrence at an aerodrome involving the incorrect presence of an aircraft, vehicle or person on the protected area of a surface designated for the landing and takeoff of aircraft." There are warning signs around the airfield for a reason -- safety is paramount for everyone on Keesler. "One of the most important items we can touch on is situational awareness in and around the vicinity of the airfield," said Justin Cooper, chief of airfield operations. "Keesler's runway is in very close proximity to both Ploesti Drive and the I-81 running track. Personnel walking and running near the airfield should look out for various signs around the airfield perimeter to prevent encroachment on the runway." Some of those signs include red flashing lights and sirens that warn drivers and pedestrians to stop as an aircraft is either preparing to take off from the north end of the runway or if there were some kind of emergency where it would be dangerous for people to be in that vicinity. "When aircraft utilize the north 'keyhole' of the runway, the control tower activates red lights to protect people from the jet engine blast," said 2nd Lt. Laura Chighizola, airfield operations. "These lights are located at the northernmost exit of the marina and two other locations along the I-81 running track. If motorists or runners ignore the red light and audible buzzer alarm, they take a serious risk upon themselves and delay the aircrew's mission." Emergencies can happen at any time and can happen fast, according to Mr. Cooper. A 1990 Associated Press article covered the crash of a Marine Corps' KC-130 at Keesler. The crew of six was conducting touch-and-go practice when there was an emergency that sent the aircraft off the north end of the runway at about 120 mph crashing into Biloxi's Back Bay. A motorist, a technical sergeant at the time, was headed around Ploesti Drive when he had car trouble near the end of the runway. When he looked up from his stalled vehicle, he saw the 40-ton rocket -- and his life -- flash before his eyes. He bent down into the passenger side and braced -- the refueler missed him by roughly 15 yards and a disaster was averted. Aside from the not-so-rare occasions of people not stopping at the red lights when they're activated, another recent trend is for members to "cut" across the flightline or taxiway rather than go around the protected area. Consequences "If you accidentally wander into one of these unauthorized areas, it can ruin your day in a hurry," Mr. Mitchell said. "First, you will probably be ordered, in a not so friendly manner, to lie face down on the ground with your arms and legs spread, and then you'll receive a free ride to the security forces office. Punitive action is likely the next thing. The bottom line is to maintain your situational awareness and don't enter any unauthorized area on or near the flight line." The reason for the signage around the airfield is to ensure Keesler members are safe, no matter the time of day or season of the year. Be aware of surroundings "The safety office, airfield management and security forces combine their actions to prevent any unauthorized persons from entering prohibited areas of the airfield," concluded Mr. Mitchell. "We ask that everyone who has a reason to be anywhere near the airfield to be cognizant of their surroundings. If you're not sure where you are, turn around and return to where you were. Don't enter any area of the airfield without proper authorization. The results of a violation can be deadly."