A test program at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island’s gates is over, but those passing through base entrances will continue to see the technology at work.
The RapidGate scanning system for commercial vendors, contractors and delivery personnel has been in place on NAS Whidbey since last year, but the scanning of common access cards (CAC), military, retiree and dependent identification cards was part of a test that began Jan. 23 and ended Feb. 24.
“NAS Whidbey’s performance during testing of the RapidGate system led to testing the new ID scanners capabilities,” said John Spencer, site manager for non-guard services at NAS Whidbey.
The main purpose of the test, according Spencer, was to see whether the ID scanners could communicate with the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, or DEERS.
“The testing showed we can talk to DEERS,” said Spencer. “Statistics from the last two weeks showed 98.37 to 100 percent accuracy.”
The scans validate someone’s ID card through the DEERS system. During the test period no one was turned away if their card was not validated; a visual check of the expiration date and photograph was performed. At this point, the scan can only tell whether a card is valid or not and can’t tell military guards or police officers manning the gates why.
For example, a divorced dependent who has not surrendered their military ID could have a scan that comes back invalidated. The expiration date printed on such a card may still be good, even though that dependent has been removed from the DEERS system. As new programming is phased in, guards may begin enforcement, in which case invalidated ID cards could be confiscated and people would have to apply for a new ID.
Other than verifying whether or not the scanners could successfully connect to DEERS, no other data was collected or saved.
While testing has been completed, Spencer said security will continue to use the program. Hammer and Saratoga gates will be getting the equipment to run the scans shortly, at which point all NASWI gates will have the technology.
“We’ll continue to use the system because people have been trained,” said Spencer.
During times of heavy gate traffic, however, personnel have been instructed to go back to visual checks in order to keep traffic flowing smoothly.
“The scans with RapidGate passes take two seconds,” said Spencer. “[ID] cards have been taking anywhere from two to 12 seconds. That’s too long to have somebody wait at the gate.”
The initial RapidGate system was put into use as a way of vetting people coming on the installation for commercial purposes. Companies that do business regularly on base can apply for base access. In turn, each company can have all its employees apply for a RapidGate pass. Each company is vetted and background checks are performed on all employees who apply for a RapidGate pass. Once they have been cleared and have their pass, they can perform their duties without escort. RapidGate pass users’ movements are loosely monitored, however, for safety purposes.
“If a big event occurred at the base, we’d be able to tell which vendors are on board so we could get them to safety,” Spencer said.
There are currently 356 companies and 1,949 employees registered with NAS Whidbey’s RapidGate system.
NAS Whidbey Island began manning the Seaplane Base gates again last fall as directed by U.S. Fleet Forces Command. The gate to the walking trail on Maylor Point is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Should force protection measures be increased, however, all perimeter gates will be secured.
“This is all giving us a very safe installation for the war fighter, the family and the fleet,” said Spencer.
NAS Whidbey Island Gate Hours
Ault Field Base:
Langley (Main) Gate: 24/7
Charles Porter Gate:
Vehicle Access – 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday
Truck Inspection – 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. / Noon to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Saratoga (Hospital) Gate: 6 to 8:30 a.m. / 3:30 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday
Hammer Gate: 6 to 8:30 a.m. / 3:30 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday
Seaplane Base:
Torpedo Gate: 24/7
Maui Gate: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Weekends
