Academy closes to public

Published Sept. 12, 2002

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFPN) -- In response to heightened national security conditions, the U.S. Air Force Academy closed its gates to the public Sept. 10 until further notice.

Access to the academy is limited to personnel holding a valid Department of Defense identification card. This includes military and dependent, civilian employee and USAFA contractor ID cards.

Exceptions are allowed for District 20 students and staff with passes to drive to on-base schools, and visitors sponsored by authorized personnel.

There was no specific threat, but officials decided they needed to increase security, an academy spokesman said.

"At this point, it's indefinite," he said of the security measures.

Officials said they are deciding what to do about access to public events, such as football games.

The academy is the largest man-made tourist attraction in Colorado, with about 750,000 visitors a year, officials said.