Long Beach : Security Tightened at Base
Last week’s military confrontation between the United States and Libya has prompted increased security at Long Beach Naval Station.
“We’re conducting frequent, random automobile searches,” said Capt. Kevin M. Healy, base commander. “We’re paying a little closer attention at the gates and watching the fence line and the water a little closer.”
Known members of the community who once were able to call ahead for appointments and gain immediate entry through station gates now will be escorted from the gates to their base destinations, Healy said.
The security crackdown caused a one-hour traffic tie-up last Thursday, its first day of implementation, Healy said. Traffic was backed up in all directions for about two miles, but more gate guards were added and the problem has not been repeated, he said.
No additional security measures have been taken at the Port of Long Beach, but the facility is now in touch with the FBI, the Navy and local police intelligence units about security, a port spokesman said.
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