Breach at home base of Air Force One prompts security review

The US Air Force is reviewing security protocols after an unarmed man accessed the flightline at Joint Base Andrews.

Air Force One sits on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 [Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg]

The US Air Force ordered a broad review of security at all its installations on Friday, after an unarmed man got access to the flight line at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland and entered an aircraft used by top US and military officials.

Air Force leaders have asked the Air Force inspector general to look into the breach, which happened on Thursday, as well as review security protocols at bases worldwide.

“Everybody is taking this very seriously,” said chief Pentagon spokesman John Kirby, adding that the Air Force already adjusted some of its security protocols at Andrews this morning. He did not provide details on the adjustments, but President Joe Biden is expected to arrive at Andrews later on Friday to fly home to Wilmington, Delaware.

According to Joint Base Andrews, the man entered a C-40 aircraft assigned to the 89th Airlift Wing. The C-40 is a smaller transport jet, primarily used by members of the Cabinet, Congress and military combatant commanders. Those aircraft are not generally used for presidential travel.

The man was detained by security forces at the base and was booked and given a federal summons for trespassing by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

Base officials in a statement said the man was turned over to local law enforcement because he had two outstanding warrants for his arrest. The statement said he did not harm anyone and it did not appear he had any link to violent groups.

“The security of our installation is paramount,” said Colonel Roy Oberhaus, the vice wing commander of the 316th Wing at Joint Base Andrews. “This was a serious breach of security and Joint Base Andrews is investigating the incident to determine how this happened, so it doesn’t happen again.”

Source: AP