Offutt bans personal firearms

Beginning Jan. 2, personnel aboard Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., will no longer be able to carry personal firearms on base, even if they lock them up in their cars. Col. Gavin Marks, commander of Offutt's 55th Wing, issued the change, which was announced via Facebook on Dec. 30. "The current policy, which authorizes registered Department of Defense ID card holders with a Nebraska Concealed Handgun License (CHL) and holders of reciprocating state concealed carry license (CCL) to transport and secure privately-owned handguns in privately-owned vehicles within the base, will no longer be valid," the Facebook post reads. "This policy change comes as a result of the commander's initial review of the Offutt AFB Integrated Defense and Antiterrorism Plan, a requirement to be completed within 120 days of assuming command." 55th Wing spokesman Ryan Hansen said the policy change was "an internal decision by the commander in consultation with multiple base agencies." The 55th's wing commander “has not made any recommendations to other wing commanders regarding their installation security processes," he added. There are a few exceptions to the new policy. For example, the change has no effect on those law enforcement personnel who have a LEOSA permit, said 55th Wing spokesman Ryan Hansen. (Source: Military.com 12/30/19) Gulf Coast Note: On Dec. 6, a Saudi military officer in training used a hunting license to purchase a hand gun that he used to kill three and injure eight at NAS Pensacola; and a sailor in Hawaii killed two contractors on base Dec. 4 with a hand gun. https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/12/30/air-force-base-announces-new-restrictions-personal-weapons.html