Edwards ready to employ new net barricade system

  • Published
  • By Stephen K. Robinson
  • Edwards Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Base leadership has scheduled March 5 as the date that the new Final Denial Barrier System will be employed.

The FDB system has already been installed at the North and South Gates of the Base and installation is in progress at the West Gate.

"The whole purpose for the new Final Denial Barrier system installation is to provide a less-lethal more reliable intrusion deterrent system to prevent entrance of unauthorized inbound and outbound people to the base while cleaning up and make more presentable the entrances to the base," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Rickman, 95th Security Forces Squadron noncommissioned officer-in-charge of Edwards Physical Security.

The new barricade system replaces the deployable submerged bollards and deflector plates and instead institutes the use of a net to deter intruders.

Sergeant Rickman added, "When the barrier is activated, yellow lights, and an audible alarm, will sound indicating to drivers to slow down.

The FDB net implementation was a three-stage process.

The zigzag lanes are used in the approach and departure lanes to and from the security check points at the entrances to the base.

"New zigzag lanes were constructed to replaced the old obstacle course approach for those accessing the base," Sergeant Rickman said.

Security personnel were trained on the rules of engagement as to when and how to deploy the FDB net system.

Sergeant Rickman continued, "If deployment of the FDB net is deemed necessary, a red light will appear as the barrier begins to rise, indicating to drivers to stop."

The FDB net system, along with the new entrance design, are combined efforts to protect the personnel and assets of those who work and live on Edwards.

"It is hoped that the nets never have to be used, but if they are needed Edwards Security Forces are ready to do so," Sergeant Rickman said.

Project completion of the Base's new approaches, gates and FDB nets is scheduled for October.