Beale says goodbye to gate contractors

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shawn Nickel
  • 9th RW Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., -- --  The contracting company TWC Inc. that has been manning Beale's gates since January 2005 were replaced temporarily by 9th Security Forces Squadron Defenders as of Sept. 30.

It is the Air Force's intent to transition to a civilian patrol force, which will provide constant professional installation access control and law enforcement duties.

Master Sgt. Michael Hodgden, 9th SFS plans, programs and innovation coordinator, said in the short term, these defenders from the 9th SFS have replaced TWC Inc. until the hiring process for the permanent employees is complete sometime later this year.

"We appreciate the community's patience during this time of transition," he said. "The bottom line is, part of the 9th Security Forces Squadron's mission is to defend Beale AFB. To accomplish this effectively, we need every Airman, DoD Civilian, and DoD dependent who enters the installation to think and plan ahead for this transition as that will minimize adverse mission impacts."

Gary Higgins, TWC Inc. program site manager, said the company has been winding down its operation of 68 guards and is working to obtain other local contracts insuring the retention of its remaining employees.

"Our time at Beale has been a great learning experience," he said. "This base has been more than incredible to work for."

Beale says goodbye to gate contractors

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shawn Nickel
  • 9th RW Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., -- --  The contracting company TWC Inc. that has been manning Beale's gates since January 2005 were replaced temporarily by 9th Security Forces Squadron Defenders as of Sept. 30.

It is the Air Force's intent to transition to a civilian patrol force, which will provide constant professional installation access control and law enforcement duties.

Master Sgt. Michael Hodgden, 9th SFS plans, programs and innovation coordinator, said in the short term, these defenders from the 9th SFS have replaced TWC Inc. until the hiring process for the permanent employees is complete sometime later this year.

"We appreciate the community's patience during this time of transition," he said. "The bottom line is, part of the 9th Security Forces Squadron's mission is to defend Beale AFB. To accomplish this effectively, we need every Airman, DoD Civilian, and DoD dependent who enters the installation to think and plan ahead for this transition as that will minimize adverse mission impacts."

Gary Higgins, TWC Inc. program site manager, said the company has been winding down its operation of 68 guards and is working to obtain other local contracts insuring the retention of its remaining employees.

"Our time at Beale has been a great learning experience," he said. "This base has been more than incredible to work for."