Base gate receives significant upgrades

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Lou Burton
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  During a ribbon cutting ceremony, Col. Donald R. Lindberg, 482nd Fighter Wing commander, showcased the new Westover gate canopy here, Nov. 5.

"Our defenders are out here every day, rain or shine," said Lindberg. "This canopy will ensure they can do their job in the best possible environment."

The canopy is not the only upgrade being implemented at the front gate. The 482nd Security Forces Squadron is preparing to implement the Defense Biometric Identification System.

"DIBIDS is a hand-held system that electronically scans identification cards," said Lt. Juan Lemus, 482nd Security Forces Squadron police services chief. "The system connects to the Defense Enrollment Eligibility System and will be able to verify card status to ensure it's valid."

Verifying the cards authentication in DEERS will increase security because it will be able to identify expired, lost, or additional identifications.

"The new system will be used during non-peak times to keep traffic moving," said Maj. David Cortez, 482nd Security Forces chief of operations. "While the system will take about six seconds to retrieve the card holders' data the first time, it will instantaneously recognize them every time after that."

The projected time frame for the DIBIDS implementation is Nov. 15.