Whiteman AFB reopens LeMay Gate

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Hailey Farrell
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

Senior leaders and community partners at Whiteman AFB celebrated the conclusion of the LeMay Gate construction with a ribbon cutting ceremony here.

The infrastructure improvements to the gate began in February of 2022 with the goal of increasing security and reducing traffic at other gates.

“With the opening of LeMay Gate, there will be less traffic seen at Spirit and Arnold gate and more timely entries especially during peak traffic hours,” said U.S Air Force Master Sgt. Cliff Coppenbarger, 509th Security Forces Squadron, Plans and Programming superintendent. 

The new Lemay gate design will have additional space for commercial vehicles to park while waiting to be inspected.

According to U.S Air Force 2nd Lt. Derrick Timm, 509th Civil Engineer Squadron project manager, before the construction project at the Lemay gate was finished, multiple trucks would park along Highway 23 and become potential safety hazards.

“Creating a new road allows commercial vehicles to standby for their search in a safe environment instead of being on Highway 23,” said Coppenbarger.

The new design, which includes a longer roadway leading to the gate, is intended to keep the roadway clear, reduce safety hazards, and help increase security to the base. 

“The increased distance allows more reaction time for the Entry Controller to implement the pop-barriers, aiding in the prevention of gate runners,” said Coppenbarger.

This improvement can help Whiteman AFB maintain readiness by making it easier for Whiteman AFB personnel to get on base and provides better safeguarding procedures for national security assets.