Getting inside Joint Base Lewis-McChord might take a little more time over the next few days as the Army responds to a heightened threat against military installations coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Lewis-McChord officials won’t discuss specific measures they’re taking, but there likely will be more vehicle inspections at the entrances to the base, and gate hours could change. That could lead to thicker traffic along Interstate 5 near the base.
Outside of the military, Pierce County law enforcement agencies said they’re mindful of the anniversary but don’t see a rise in threats.
Pierce County sheriff’s spokesman Ed Troyer said there was no need to increase security at this point. “There are no threats,” he said. “Our people are always vigilant. If we get information about a specific event, we will address it at that time.”
Likewise, Tacoma police spokesman Mark Fulghum said the department has not stepped up security for the anniversary.
Elsewhere:
• At the Puyallup Fair, Puyallup police commanders have reminded officers to be extra vigilant. Roughly 35 officers from various law enforcement agencies work inside the fairgrounds during the 17-day fair, which opens Friday. Puyallup police officers handle calls outside the fairgrounds.
Puyallup police Capt. Dave McDonald said there will be no change in staffing for the fair Sunday.
• At Sea-Tac Airport, security will be bolstered Sunday just as it has been every Sept. 11 since the terrorist attacks, said airport spokesman Perry Cooper. Those enhancements won’t necessarily be visible to the public, and no new screening procedures are being implemented, he said.
• At the Port of Tacoma, it will be business as usual, said spokeswoman Tara Mattina. The port already has bolstered its security force and tightened access to terminals in the past decade.
In addition to added gate security at Lewis-McChord, base visitors will face greater scrutiny in getting on the installation.
U.S. citizens must have someone who works for the Defense Department to sponsor requests to get on base; noncitizens must have a military sponsor and an escort. Usually, citizens are able to get a visitor’s pass at the main gate without a sponsor if they have a reason to be on base.
The heightened security won’t affect the ceremonies the base has planned to recognize the anniversary, base spokesman Joe Piek said. Madigan Army Medical Center is hosting a ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Friday for hospital staffers and visitors. Lewis-McChord’s ceremony is set for 8:46 a.m. Sunday at the base’s fire station No. 1.
The order to increase security came from the Defense Department’s Northern Command at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado.
“Our heightened security measures may cause some minor inconveniences to those entering the installation. However, that’s a small price to pay for ensuring the safety and well-being of our service members, families and employees,” said Col. Thomas Brittain, Lewis-McChord’s installation commander. “I’d ask everyone to be patient as we take these required steps to protect our community.”
Staff writer John Gillie contributed to this report.
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