The US Air Force has ordered a “comprehensive” review of its security measures across its bases following a security breach that saw an unarmed intruder access the flight line at Joint Base Andrews.
Notably, Joint Base Andrews, located in Maryland, 24km south-east of the White House, is the military facility that houses Air Force One, and is used by the president, vice president and high-profile cabinet leaders.
According to the Air Force, last Thursday, an unarmed adult male trespasser made his way onto the military base and entered a C-40 aircraft assigned to the 89th Airlift Wing – a plane often used by top US and military officials, although not the president.
The man in question was detained by security forces at the base and was given a federal summons for trespassing by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
The man was also then turned over to local law enforcement, and had two outstanding warrants for his arrest.
According to the Air Force, the man did not cause harm to anyone, and did not appear to have any links to violent or extremist groups.
In light of the incident, Air Force leaders have now requested the Air Force inspector general to look into the breach, as well as review security protocols in place at USAF bases worldwide.
“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.”
“Everybody is taking this very seriously,” said chief Pentagon spokesman John Kirby, adding that the Air Force has already introduced some of its stricter security protocols at Andrews.
