Upcoming exercise impacts entire base

  • Published
  • By Tyler Hemstreet
  • Staff writer
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Long lines and long waits will likely be commonplace at McChord the entire first week of December due to an anti-terrorism exercise. 

Other than personnel reporting for duty, base officials are strongly urging people with routine, non-emergency business to postpone their errands until the exercise concludes. 

Heightened security measures will be in affect at the gates, certain buildings will be closed and there will be several traffic control points set up throughout the base, said Maj. Jason Morrison, 62nd Airlift Wing chief of exercise and evaluations. 

"Those days are not going to be good days to come on base," Major Morrison said. "The exercise involves the entire base and people will likely encounter many inconveniences if they come on McChord." 

A portion of the 62nd Force Support Squadron service providers throughout the customer service mall will be participating in and responding to the exercise, said Maj. Todd Ladd, 62nd FSS. 

"Wait times could be impacted throughout the exercise," he said. "We're just asking that people be patient." 

Customer service in the mall area could also be affected because it serves as a shelter-in-place area during exercises for most of the offices within Building 100. 

The exercise is an annual requirement for all wings, Major Morrison said.