What happened to our troops in Oakland
Two days ago, an e-mail about the rude treatment of Marines and soldiers returning from Iraq started making the rounds on the Internet. The brother of one of the mistreated troops who described the incident at Oakland Airport works on the Hill. The brother forwarded his family member’s e-mail around. The e-mail is real, contrary to the Daily Kos nut who dismissed it as “fake” without any evidence whatsoever (can you say p-r-o-j-e-c-t-i-o-n). I contacted the Navy chaplain who serves with the Marines to verify the e-mail on Friday. He confirmed.
You can read the whole thing here or here at The Corner from Michael Ledeen.
In short: “On September 27th 204 Marines and soldiers who were returning from Iraq were not allowed into the passenger terminal at Oakland International Airport.Instead they had to deplane about 400 yards away from the terminal where the extra baggage trailers were located. This was the last scheduled stop for fuel and food prior to flying to Hawaii where both were based. The trip started in Kuwait on September 26th with a rigorous search of checked and carry on baggage by US Customs. All baggage was x-rayed with a ‘backscatter’ machine AND each bag was completely emptied and hand searched. After being searched, checked bags were marked and immediately placed in a secure container. Carry on bags were then x rayed again to ensure no contraband items were taken on the plane. While waiting for the bus to the airport, all personnel were in quarantined in a fenced area and were not allowed to leave.” Nevertheless, Oakland forbade them from entering its terminal. According to the Marine, a Lieutenant who served in Afghanistan with the same unit in 2006 noted that Oakland had treated troops the same way before. He “was almost arrested by the TSA for getting belligerent about them not letting the Marines into the terminal,” despite more rigorous screening prior to landing in Oakland. Both JFK airport and in Germany had no problem with the Marines entering their terminals.
I have also obtained the Port of Oakland’s response about the incident to Captain David Epstein of the Reserve Officers Association. The Port official blames a lack of “clear communication” from the charter airline hired by the military. In other words: it’s the troops’ fault:
Thank you so much for sharing with me the information you had regarding the incident at the airport. As you know sometimes the way things appear initially regarding an incident turn out to be different after looking into the details. We checked into this once you had called me and raised your public relations concern, so again thank you. Here is the background information I have about the incident as well as the procedures and policies that affected decision-making that day.
In the case of North American Airlines Flight #1777, a military charter flight that arrived at OAK on Thursday, September 27, aircraft parking and passenger service arrangements were coordinated and approved in advance between the ground handling company and Airside Operations. The airport received information that the passengers were not TSA-screened
at their originating airport and that weapons were on-board the aircraft. Together with our security partners, the airport made a decision to park this aircraft at a remote location on the tarmac. It is the responsibility of the charter airline that its operation is compliant with TSA screening requirements.Upon landing and parking at OAK, the pilot-in-command advised the ground handling company that the parking and passenger handling provisions did not meet expectations. Upon learning this, Airside Operations and Aviation Security worked with the ground handling company and other law enforcement partners to coordinate a plan that was satisfactory to the pilot and passengers, and which was compliant with all airport safety and security standards.
Oakland International Airport (OAK) makes customer service a priority for all its passengers, whether they are traveling on commercial, military or general aviation aircraft. Charter airlines operating at OAK can choose to contract with a number of ground handling companies. Ground handlers coordinate flight services such as passenger handling, and aircraft fueling, cleaning and catering. It is the responsibility of ground handling companies to communicate aircraft and passenger operational needs to OAK’s Airside Operations Office in advance so that special accommodations can be coordinated to ensure that all airport operational, safety and security concerns are addressed.
The scheduled arrival and departure time of the flight is set by the aircraft operator. Time is needed to refuel the aircraft, perform maintenance inspections, refresh the catering, and give passengers time to stretch to break-up long travel periods. An analysis of the incident and prior correspondence between OAK’s Airside Operations and the ground handler determined that the airport did not receive clear communication in advance from the charter airline that was hired by the military.
I am out of town starting tomorrow for a convention. If you have any further inquiries about this incident and the way it was handled, Rosemary Barnes who is part of our Public Affairs team would be happy to speak with you. You may also call Joanne Holloway, the acting manager of the Port’s Community and Customer Relations Department.
Kindest regards,
Marilyn Sandifur
Port Spokesperson
Port of Oakland
“The airport did not receive clear communication” is not a satisfactory explanation. The bottom line is that Oakland officials made the final decision (”the airport made a decision to park this aircraft at a remote location on the tarmac”). The Port of Oakland’s p.r. flacks have passed the buck and seem to believe they can blow off this incident without bothering to apologize to the troops who felt mistreated and without pledging to ensure that the troops are received properly the next time they touch down at that airport.
Big mistake from a region of the country that already has a bad, longstanding rep as anti-military.
All fair-minded observers should agree: The troops deserve better.
***
A commenter at Patterico’s notes:
When I was returning from the first Gulf War, we went through the quarantine process prior to boarding the plane to leave Saudi Arabia. After our baggage and bodies were searched we went into the quarantine holding area from which we could not leave, ensuring that no contraband would enter the US. Our first stop was Rome, and we stayed on the plane. We landed at JFK and went into the terminal for a couple of hours. A security detail stayed on board the aircraft. We then re-boarded and returned to Ft. Hood, TX.
Troops returning from overseas have to pass through customs. In the case of troop transports, this is actually done overseas, hence the quarantine area. The only processing we went through in the US was turning in weapons & other sensitive items when we returned to Ft Hood. Remember, troops do not carry passports in combat zones. I assume that the military follows the same procedures that they did in the 90’s vis troops returning from overseas deployments and they should be able to disembark during layovers in the US. I can tell you from personal experience, troops just want to get a quick stretch, a chance to clean up before returning home and maybe a cool drink: I hope the Oakland airport can accommodate these simple needs.
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Trackbacks
- Old War Dogs
- Ruminations of a Christian Conservative Geek
- Life in 3D » Blog Archive » Another reason to hate this area
- Take Our Country Back
- Ed Driscoll.com
- Daily Pundit » More On The Oakland Airport Anti-Troop Incident
- Quiglag.com » Do the left really support our troops?
- Maybe They Like Being Treated Like Animals : The Sundries Shack
- Can we question their patriotism yet? at Conservative Times--Republican GOP news source.
- Wake up America-I question their patriotism
- LeatherPenguin » “We Support Our Troops!”
- Macsmind - Conservative Commentary and Common Sense
- MilBlogs
- Weekend Pundit
- The Captain’s Journal » Marine Artillery Does Oakland
- Doc Rampage
- Three Br0thers
- Keith D. Milby :: blog » Blog Archive » Spitting Angry Liberals
- THE TEXAS SCRIBBLER
- Don Surber » Blog Archive » “A lady in first-class wants to switch seats with you.”
- BAY AREA LEFTIES TRASHING OUR TROOPS « Texas Hold ‘Em Blogger
- Leaning Straight Up
- Stageleft:. Life on the [lower] left side » Blog Archive » Airport Security Kicks In
- Sister Toldjah
- Classical Values
- Michelle Malkin » Where in the world
- Hot Air » Blog Archive » Video: Michelle on the Oakland airport incident
- Blue Star Chronicles
- Liberal "Patriots" - Debate Politics Forums
- People Don’t Trust Government | Adam's Blog
- Cigars Stars and Stripes.com Blog » Blog Archive » OAK, not OK?
- Michelle Malkin » Oakland Airport apologizes for shunting troops
- A Tale Of Two Airports: Oakland and Dallas at Conservative Times--Republican GOP news source.
- Liberal "Patriots" - Page 10 - Debate Politics Forums
- Life in 3D » Another reason to hate this area
Comments
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Who do these people think will protect them if and when an attack occurs. I ask that of the “no war” people anymore, saying no sane person wants war but what do you plan to do about the people that do? They have no answer for that.None at all.
I’m sure a resolution condemning this and demanding an apology will be forthcoming from the Democrats in Congress. Yeah, I’m sure it will be real forthcoming.
. . . especially if you are muslim and need footbaths before your jihad. But not quite as much if you are our soldiers fighting for us because you might be offensive to some other travelers.
This is unbelievable. If Oakland was the first stop, it is possible they have an excuse, but it seems like they were the last stop before their final destination. No wonder Pelosi gets elected with her politics.
I think it is time to consider San Fran its own country no longer eligible for ANY federal funds or protection from the federal government.
This is going to probably come off totally wrong, but, next time a large earthquake or riot occurs in the San Fran/Oakland area-not an if, but when-think those in the military are going to bust their cajones to help out?
Maybe out of professionalism, but, I bet they won’t be real happy.
This is an outrage.
I am so tired of this snotty little attitude of these west coast liberals toward our military. This is pure BS and it needs to be investigated by Homeland Security,FAA,TSA,and any other federal agency that has to do with airport security!!! The responsible parties need to be put on notice that this will not be tolerated! Somebody needs to lose their job!!!
Hmmm… “Marilyn”, “Rosemary”, “Joanne”. Maybe this is part of Sally’s “if mothers were in charge, there would be no more g*d* wars!…” In advance of that, they’ll make sure there’s no more respect for g*d* warriors.
To the rest of the United States, I’m sorry for Pelosi, San Francisco, Feinstein, Boxer, the Court system and all the other loony “Bullcrap” going on in California.
Signed,
A.J.
California Resident
I know from experience as a USAF aircrew member and once medically disqualified for flight duty as a passenger that no one is more scrutinized for travel on Military or Contracted Civilian Carriers than US Military personnel. I knew when carrying passengers they were screened in metal detectors and both carry on and their checked luggage had been x-rayed. This is normal procedure since the 1970s to present day (started to keep guys from bringing home war souvenirs in the 1960s, some of which tended to be explosives). The folks we deploy out of Mountain Home AFB to the AOR under go the same scrutiny and once they enter the controlled area they no longer have any contact with friends or family members so they say there goodbyes at the security check point.
I was also able to travel on Military air as a passenger with courier orders allowing me to carry a side arm to safeguard large quantities of cash. Upon reaching the aircraft I handed my weapon’s magazine to the loadmaster and proved my weapon was clear before entering the aircraft. The ability to bear arms was allowed only on Military aircraft.
TSA is full of lying crapweasels stating that this aircraft was not properly cleared (time to raise the BS flag). I am spitting mad right now about this horse pucky. Interfering with a Commissioned Officer in the performance of his duties is an offense under the UCMJ (in this case he was just trying to take care of the comfort of his troops, mark of a good officer) and the TSA employees should be charged and fired.
I used to bring our KC-10 tankers into Oakland for regularly scheduled phase maintenance in the 1980s. It is amazing how much things have changed in the Bay Area since all the Military Installations have been closed. It is time to suspend all Federal funds to any of the left coast communities that have declared themselves traitors. That would about take care of things along the coast from Seattle (not including their Navy communities and Mc Chord AFB) to just north of San Diego (Camp Pendleton). The young people they are harassing are risking everything for us why can’t they understand that and treat them with the respect they deserve. I am completely and totally disgusted.
Well, it’s starting.
Next will come calling the troops “baby killer” and worse as they transit Bay area airports. Then will oome the spitting and petty assaults.
The way to nip this in the bud is for the FAA to shut down the airport. Paint big white “X”s at the ends of the runways, withdraw all the controllers, shut down the radars, and decertify any airline that continues to use it for anything other than an emergency landing site. And reallocate any federal dollars for operation or improvements to another, more deserving, airport.
This is (D)Representative Barbara Lee’s district.
I wrote to her. In short, I said that she should be concerned that members of her constituency are “obstructing troop movements” with their behavior.
Representative Lee is generally non-responsive to any voter who doesn’t own a “Barbara Lee speaks for me” bumpersticker.
OT: I’d like to ask contributors to this list to refrain from calling for earthquakes to befall this region. I live here along with more than several others who post here. When/if the big one hits here, death will be massive. It’s a reality we live with each day as we make preparations to survive flooding, fire, and devastation that will make Katrina look like a church social. Thanks.
Why does the military need to hire charter planes?!?!?!
I don’t understand why troops returning from overseas combat aren’t flown to stateside military bases at the end of their operations (and appropriate transfers to get them home on leave made after debriefing, weapons check-in, etc), so I’d appreciate if someone who served could explain. But renting charter planes…seems like they’re short of money or personnel. What are they going to do if passenger airlines refuse to renew contracts after boycott threats by moonbats?
(Also, did someone from DKos hack NRO? I haven’t been able to get to it all morning.)
If certain cities and certain states don’t want to be American and support its military, they need to lose federal funding. Enough is enough.
Of course the troops deserve better. But it’s the Bay Area, leftist wingnuts who don’t know about respect and appreciation. I am still a firm believer that ’sanctuary cities’ and cities who don’t want the military should get it their way. Cut off Federal funding of projects tied to the military or sanctuary cities. Let them do it on their own. That’s what they want.
I agree with ajmontana (#8) comment. I am sorry to be a California resident myself and if our Governor continues down this road he has taken I will be out of here sooner than planned.
bear, I wonder if the people who abuse the military in this region realize it would be the military that will be coming into the area to help aid victims of such a catastrophe? Will they appreciate the troops when these brave men and women are pulling them out of the rubble?
Interesting impact of all of those closings too. The Oakland School District is in state receivership and is selling off its real estate to pay its bills.
The Moon Loons out here (Dellums, Lee, et al) have no clue how a tax base works to provide basic services on a consistent basis. And, they are clueless as to how a local dollar spent in the economy circulates and creates over 1,000 times its value. In addition, they don’t draw any correlation between infrastructure decay and crime with the loss of military related employment of civilians.
D-U-H! Get ready for more closings if Hillary gets in.
The Dems are getting what they want. Confusion, angst, turmoil. What a wonderful way to lead the people…..or should I say drive them down so everyone is miserable. Good job Dems.
The area surrounding OAK Int’l is a cesspool. Motels/hotels with barbed wire around their parameters, constant sirens, and drug deals. It is high crime and a blight on the landscape. It has been plagued by San Francisco envy forever and tries desperately to emulate whatever the current feelings in The City are. I’m not surprised, not shocked. There is more illegal contraband, including guns, on the streets of Oakland than anything a plane load of returning heros could ever slip past our renowned TSA. The irony is that the military was once a huge presense there, keeping their economy afloat during lean times.
Commercial carriers can carry a lot more troops then your average Military cargo aircraft. The C-5A and KC-10 can carry approximately 76 souls with other aircraft being able to carry less even with seat pallets loaded instead of cargo. It actually is a cost savings when comparing the cost per flying hour of a Military aircraft to Commercial aircraft vs. the ability to carry more personnel. I am a Cost per Flying Hour Analyst and hit the submit button instead of the preview. Need more coffee.
The elites out here don’t. That is a given.
But take Berkeley residents for example:
where I live, 3 blocks from the Hayward earthquake fault, we have been trained by first responders in the City of Berkeley. We generally have a different take on the war and taxes than our out-of-touch pro-Palestinian City Council does. They are the same crowd that just spent $3 million on land to complete a sliver of “green space” for a bike path. But they are making our first responders beg for emergency and disaster resources that would cost under $100,000.00
We who are working to ensure our own survival in the event of a disaster (complete with a 34 mile burning jet fuel pipeline that would occur in the event of an earthquake) we get it. And there are alot of us out here who do. These petty bureaucrats who owe their jobs to Dhimmicratic patronage and Clinton corruption- don’t.
To them, the war is a lie and so is the global anti-jihad campaign. The TSA has been reduced to a pig of job creation machine for Dhimmicrats and burka wearing infiltrators- all in the name of gotcha politics.
My neighbor is Persian. He gets it. Half of his family is still in Tehran. He doesn’t want that coming here and he knows it will if we don’t get our sh*t together.
My theory is that the country is moving right politically under the surface. The elites and their media agents are moving far left.
When the war with Iran happens I think there is going to be a seismic shift as these media assets are discredited and the elites shamed for what they have been doing. War does that. And it is usually how it serves a cleansing purpose domestically.
Probably more than you wanted to read, but it is one man in the street’s opinion.
This type of action goes beyond the pale…if cities, counties and states want to act differently let them pay price. That in regards to sanctuary cities and mistreatment of our hero’s the soldiers protecting us all. Take away all federal monies, not as a punishment, but as a declaration of granting them their desired independence. Liberalism is like a cancer slowly eating away until the arrival of death.
Boomer- you rock! Puttin on the grinder myself right now- they are selling Dunkin Donuts beans at Safeway out here now!!!!!! It’s the little things.
This reminds me of the disarray under Carter. Is this peaking? Or is it still cresting upward? Our enemies are certainly watching.
.
Uh, InfoSec! That’s privileged information. We can’t have troop deployments and flight plans coordinated with everybody in the world. Wouldn’t that be stupid? It sounds politically motivated to me.
Bear1909 it does remind me of the bad old days under Carter too. It was a really bad time to be in the Military.
Hope you have a good personal survival kit if “god forbid” the big one does hit. The family and I have been through a couple of rough ones when stationed in California. We may have lived in some crappy Military housing, but it took some pretty good quakes (7.0 and 6.8 aftershock) and the roof didn’t cave in. A good place to look for 72 hour survival kits is http://www.emergencyessentials.com we have our own emergency kit (kind of a hold over from being in earthquake country).
Disgusting treatment of the people they say they are oh so worried about and want them home.
Boomer! Thanks for the tip. I am spreading the love around with regards to purchasing for our community survival team. The family kit is tight and ready. Now we are expanding our arsenal and ammo storage and preservation program. It’s pretty gruesome out here. We’ll be supporting the troops out here in more ways than one i fear.
I guess I should qualify my last statement about arsenal and ammo: this is strictly for home defensive purposes as guaranteed under the Constitution. As for support the troops, I meant- if we are taking care of ourselves, it is one less home emergency troops would have to be concerned about.
Sorry about the loose on the fly comment.
Boomer#27 - Thank you for your service and your family for supporting you. Having survived the Whittier quake and then moving back to the Bay Area to live through the one that hit Oakland some time later, I still carry a pair of walking shoes/a couple bottles of water/a few power bars/some kind of a light jacket/a small kit with band-aids and such/flashlight/light blanket,and flares. Everyone, no matter where they live, should. I’ll visit the link you posted for additional items.
Are we REALLY in the USA folks?
I am beginning to wonder if there is an “Invasion of the Bodysnatchers” and we haven’t awakened….yet.
I don’t usually post on political issues because in the end I always thought the American public to be smarter than this and that premise still holds true. However, this is the most disgusting thing I have seen in along time and I agree with Mr. Teach. This hits squarely on one nerve predominately.
My Father was a proud F-4 pilot whose squadron handled the Phan Rang and Bien Hoa areas in Viet Nam. He lost an arm and leg on a mission and was ambulatory upon his arrival to San Francisco Airport before his death 37 years after this event. The most hurtful thing he ever encountered in life was the reception he received at that airport that day after a three year tour and 55 missions until he was shot down. People were spitting on bandages and the police did nothing. My Mother has pictures of this and yup all this at San Francisco Airport which at the time was not named international.
This old yellow op ed from the Chronicle explained that the peace movement reached out to veterans as potential allies in a struggle against an unpopular war, not spit on them. Yeah right.
The treatment our solders have received and continue to receive in this region is abhorrent and this particular information is running amok within all branches of our military as well it should.
From the USS IOWA Museum, Blue Angels Demonstration Squad, the U. S. Special Forces Marine Commercial, ROTC and all the rest too numerous to name here but each of our active and retired military folks know each episode.
My brother is in the Marines on his third tour and hopes to come back stateside by way of either San Fran or Oakland. This could be very well why these ingrates put our solders in pens. Why does our government keep allowing this activity?
The United States NAVY, MARINES, ARMY and AIR FORCE have been and continue to be slimed in the bay area and I want to know what we are going to do about it?
This event stayed with my precious Father until his death.
As Mr. Teach so eloquently indicates, what’s going to happen to this area when something does happen and yes something will happen. Mr. Teach, please don’t apologize because this is reality. When a catastrophe happens, you need 100% out of everyone and they will get at most 50% if that.
More importantly, how many of our proud Military Leaders are going to allow to be led by a Democratic Administration after the overt General Petraeus smack down, the Jessie MacBeth’s, the Jon Soltz’, the Murtha’s, Hagel’s et friggen al., and this list keeps growing?
WHEN ARE WE GOING TO SAY ENOUGH!!!!!
I’m a CEO for a telecommunications and five affiliated companies. While I have been successful, I donate and give abundantly. I now want to see the whites of the eyes of these very people who I have tried to deal with from a distance through others strategies that obviously have not worked. Distance no more. I’m up front and now personal.
I am going to dissect this phenomenon.
This Geographic is property of the United States of America. We allow these idiot folks to run the joint. They are care takers and they have to understand this. I am done with this whimpering, nauseating disrespect to our Nation, our Military and the Office of the President of the United States.
You will be hearing from and about Tangerinesong
From my recollection, OAK’s actions are about par for the course from that crowd of cowards. Those pagan hippie wimps back in the 70’s were no better.
I agree with most here, cut off Federal funds to the city of Oakland, the county and the airport. Fire everyone at the TSA regional office. Enough.is.enough.
Thanks for your help, Boomer. I understand and appreciate cost savings, but I still worry about potential vulnerabilities.
And I still don’t understand the rules about landing military flights at commercial airports instead of bases.
Hey Marilyn,they are U.S.Marines,you stupid B****.
“FLASHBACK” TO APRIL 1969:
I was a 19 year old Marine returning to the U.S. from Viet Nam that spring.
About 6 of us pooled our meager savings together for a taxi ride to Oakland Int. Airport after landing at nearby Travis AFB for the drive on our first leg of our journey back home after 13 months at war.
On arriving at OIAP around 1:00 p.m., the 6 of us shook hands for the last time and went our separate ways.
I stood on the sidewalk for a few minutes in front of the terminal taking in my new environment while waiting for my sister and her husband to pick me up, ( I lived about 20 miles south of Oakland at the time), when a crowd of about 40 or 50 people carrying signs about 50 yds. away spotted me and quickly ran over to were I was standing alone in my new spotless Marine uniform.
As if on que all 50 of them began to hit me with their signs and scream at me “Baby Killer” “Murderer” “Monster” and worse ect. all the while spitting on me, throwing hot coffee on me and pounding me with their protest signs. (so much for “peace” advocates).
I had no idea what was happening. I was so shocked and bewildered that I couldn’t even fight back. I was pushed back against a wall as the pummeling went on.
This painful scene went on for several minutes until someone finally pushed his way through the raging mob and pulled, then half dragged me away from our “lefty friends of peace” towards his parked car waiting at the curb. It was my brother-in-law John and my sister Marianne.
The three of us jumped in his car but the “People of Peace” surrowned us and began to hit his car with their fists and their signs. We were able after some time to pull away to safety
and drive home in silence.
Sweet, sweet Oakland CA.,…you haven’t changed much in 38 years…thanks for the memories a$$holes!
Sgt. Khe Sahn
Bear1909 I always wonder if I’m a bit of a survivalist nut every now an then myself but, keeping a reasonable stock of food, water, and ammo for our weapons does not make one out to be a loony. After all those of us who have been or have children that are in scouting “being prepared” is not just an empty slogan. People tend to get a little crazy when basic services break down and after 11 years of combat survival training (with a trip in the field every two years against aggressor’s hunting you to test your knowledge and skills back in the day) and observing current disaster history in the US (i.e. Katrina) it does not hurt to be prepared. Even in Idaho we are not immune to seismic activity or other types of disaster conditions.
Hey, A.J., I wonder if it would be possible to get a whole bunch of the Bear Flag League bloggers and other California Conservatives to do something similar to that “We’re Sorry” stuff the left pulled after Bush beat Kerry like a rented goalie? That would be a hoot.
HeatherR #34 - As far back as Viet Nam (my foggy memory strikes again) many of the troops were transported by commercial carriers. It was a coveted contract between the airlines and military. As far as only landing at military bases, I’d hate to see that happen since they are home and shouldn’t have to worry that their presense in a terminal would offend anyone. I don’t know though if the military would even allow non-military planes landing? Boomer? What’s the ruling on that?
In Dallas they have volunteer welcoming groups that show up when they know a large group is coming home. I’ve had the pleasure on several occasions to visit with the soldiers waiting for their next flight and they are polite and interested in everything that has happened since they left. These young men and women are bone tired, anxious to see their loved ones, and suffering a bit from leaving a battle zone and just hours/days later facing total culture shock. The transition has got to be tough.
Not TSA Screened? What a joke of a response. And how convenient for the weasel to leave town for a “conference”.
The flight was screened by the DoD. They should be thankful TSA did not screen this flight.
Yet, TSA had input into quarantining the flight? Yes, quarantine. They treated that flight as they would a suspected bomb threat.
This is abominable. These are the same people who would not think of treating a planeload of illegals in such a manner.
Any and all federal funds for this kind of operation need to cease - now. If the Bay area wants to march to its own tune, so be it. They can do it without any of my tax dollars.
I worked in airfield operations at an airport; assisting U.S. Customs, Immigrations and Ag inspect international fights.
Also I served as a Marine in Iraq.
I’ve been through the security goat rope from Kuwait.
They make you feel like a criminal. Your inspected in Kuwait by military police, and then you go threw it again before getting on the airplane. Every thing is weighed, and searched. They go threw everything. In Germany we were allowed in the terminal, 3 Marines stayed with the weapons on the plane. In Ireland, it was the same procedure. And in Maine we were allowed in the terminal to use the phones. When we reached MCAS Miramar, U.S. Customs, Ag and TSA put our bags on a mobile scatter bag. It was mounted in a van. All bags are inspected again!!!!! When I worked at an airport, if an international flight arrived without coordination from U.S. Customs or Ag it was the pilots responsibility to call airfield operations of the destination airport, and arrange inspection of the passengers regardless, of the status of the of the passengers (except the President) The procedure is as follows: pilot of destination flight calls destination airfield to arrange TSA, Customs, Ag, and Immigration. Next, arrangements are made by airfield operations. When the plane gets there, every thing is ready to go. If the pilot forgot or the ball was dropped by airfield operations, then the pilot will be informed by ATC ground upon arrival. The plane will be taxied to the tarmac, and wait until TSA, Customs, Ag and Immigrations are notified. If the pilot lets anybody off the plane he could be face a fine of $15,000.00 per passenger!!!!! (Even if it’s a member of congress or 2 or 3 star General) For this very reason, at busy airports there is usually somebody on hand to inspect aircraft. The bottom line: At an airport like Oakland, there should be TSA, Customs, Immigrations, and Ag readily standing by to inspect aircraft passengers. It seems like airfield operations at Oakland had a problem with out Marines and solders. Because 1) they should have known coordination was NOT made and 2) They should have taken extra care to ensure the last minute call was made to the proper agencies. After all it’s THEIR airfield, not the airlines airfield. There isn’t an airport named North West airlines airport. It’s called Oakland airport. If things don’t go smoothly it’s the fault of the pilot, however it’s also the job of Oakland airfield operations to know what the HELL is going on THEIR airfield. At the airport I worked at, the passengers would have to wait on the plane 20 minutes if somebody dropped the ball. That was the amount of time it took for the Federal agents to drive down to our remote airfield to inspect the international flight. After that, they were free to go into the terminal.
MM, this story Spun me up!!!!!!!
Quick commentary from someone on active duty who’s deployed fairly recently.
1. Military aircraft are fine for small numbers over short distances. However, the only way a C-17 or C-5 can cary hundreds of troops is to install pallets of airline seats or rows of jump seats. Yes, those are as comfortable as they sound. I flew three hours one time in a C-130 with jump seats. There’s not enough room for people to sit face-to-face. Knees had to be angled slightly and alternated in a zig-zag pattern. Not very comfortable.
2. Flying directly into military bases is preferred, but not always possible. For the Air Force this isn’t a big deal since we, by definition, tend to have runways. Some of the larger Army installations do, but most don’t, so you’re landing somewhere else anyway. End result is that the troops still have to be transported to their home station.
3. ALL military personnel are screened in accordance with TSA regulations. Even when it’s a plane full of tired GIs coming home for some R&R and they’ve been locked down in a compound for six months and don’t have any opportunity to acquire any contraband, the screening is the same. We even have to process through customs and immigration like anybody else entering the US.
4. Since military personnel have to travel with weapons, that adds a whole other layer of scrutiny, and not just with the TSA. Military regs are very specific about how weapons are transported on military or contracted civilian aircraft. I was glad I didn’t have to deploy with a weapon last time.
Bottom line, Oakland Airport is full of it. A plane load of GIs coming back from overseas is more sanitized and safer than any other group of travelers, I guarantee it.
What a city, Oakland, and its local airport authorities.
They’re worried more about troops in transit having weapons than all the gang members and thugs on the streets of Oakland itself.
It’s all just a communications gaff, I’m sure. yeah right.
The TSA is a federal agency. If it can’t figure how to be nice to soldiers serving their country, blame the federal government, that would be Bush.
Questions for Oakland airfield Operations:
1) Did the pilot call for a PPR
2) Who at airfield operations received the IFR inbounds from Oakland Center?
3) Did he or she check to see if the proper agencies were notifield?
4) Does he or she know what an ICAO international flight plan looks like?
5) Did the person who received the IFR inbounds in airfield operations purposely not call the proper agencies because the Marines were on board?
5) Does the operations chief in Oakland airfield operation know his cranium form his anus?
Apparently not.
Let Mexico take California.
And, let’s not forget the equally appalling incident that occurred at SFO in June of 2002. A young Special Forces Lieutenant was returning from Afghanistan after being shot in the jaw. The doctors had to wire his jaw shut to allow it to heal.
He was searched and stopped because he had a pair of small wire cutters. As I recall, he produced documentation from the doctor noting that the wire cutters were medically required - in the event he became ill and vomited, the wires would have to be cut to prevent him from choking to death.
The authorities at SFO in their infinite wisdom refused to allow the Purple Heart recipient to travel with the wire cutters. They confiscated the cutters.
I have not heard of anything similar happening at any other airport, either in the US or abroad. First San Francisco and now Oakland.
I have a sulition - pack up every TSA employee at SFO and Oakland and have them serve a 2 year tour at various airports in Iraq and Afghanistan. And the director at Oakland can be the new tarmac mamager for Baghdad International.
The group that left this weekend from our base went via a Commercial carrier. Part of the reason they may have landed at commercial fields is the fact we no longer have Transient Alert ground crews able to catch aircraft 24/7/365. We have contracted it out on one of the bogus A76 studies (my opinion) supposed being able to provide the same service for less than the cost of a GI or Civil Service (WG) employee. It costs us overtime in the contract to service aircraft on the weekend or after duty hours. The contract has a certain amount of overtime factored in, but the Wing’s have to be very frugal in allowing overtime costs to the contract that it does not exceed the funding allowed. Travis AFB is just a few nautical miles from Oakland and it would be easier to land there, however bases just don’t have the folks available to service them like we used to. Plus it is a huge Air Mobility Command base support C-5A and KC-10A aircraft, which are spending most of their time transporting equipment or passing gas to our fighter/bomber forces providing air cover for the ground troops in the AOR. It is a very busy place.
There has been a huge drive in the Air Force to downsize 40,000 personnel to cut personnel costs to buy new aircraft (fleet is getting very old). I just saw a front page headline in the recent Air Force Times magazine at the BX (Base Exchange our version of Wal-Mart)that stated the draw down is failing because cost savings are transferring to the US Army to offset GWOT costs. Aircrews and Maintenance personnel levels are still strong, but the bases support units have lost personnel and we are trying to do more with less. The upside no one is really whining about it they are too focused on the mission of winning the war.
THIS IS HOW IT SHOULD WORK!
Here in Maine we have greeted some 500,000 of our fine troops as they transit through Bangor. The clowns in Oakland might want to check out this link to see how to treat our fine men and women in uniform!
Please go to the photo link and enjoy!
http://mainetroopgreeters.smugmug.com/
If the jerks who show our military so little respect would stand in line with us to thank our soldiers for their service and see the wonderful men and women that make up our military they might get a lesson they need.
Yes, it’s the legal responsibility for the pilot (charter airlines) to be compliant with TSA. However, airfield operations should have made accommodations, upon making the decision to “park it in a remote area”. It’s well with in the scope of airfield operations to make this happen. I’m sure this sort of thing has happened before at Oakland.
Question: Does the city of Oakland have a bias against the Marine Corps?
THIS IS HOW IT SHOULD WORK!
I will never forget my greeting at Maine. The long line of veterans…it was a life experience….
Maybe you might rethink this hasty comment. I get your frustration. But when you stop and think about the fact that overall, California is one of the top 10 economies in the entire world. And some of California’s industries, such as agriculture and aerospace represent asset values greater than entire countries that trade with the USA.
This is in spite of the Nanny State Moon Loons that run the state (the SchwarzenKennedys) and represent us in Congress (BoxerShortz, Diane “Pork” Feinstein, and Pelosi Galore- to name a few).
Just an FYI.
I don’t think the “city” does- select petty bureaucrats around here who are part of the Dhimmicratic machine certainly are.
Case in point: Stephanie Coyote of the SFO Film Commission- refuses to grant Marines access for filming on the Golden Gate Bridge.
Bush could clear this up in a heart beat. But he is part of the “devaluation grind” against America using his two-faced political strategy (ie fight Islamo fascism but back the Shamnesty scam). It’s all a part of bringing the US into the “world community”- degrade and devalue our institutions, especially the military.
We must stand firm.
Though I am very pro military, I have had occasion to work with the Oakland airport on transportation business (though not specifically military transport at this airport).
I’ve worked with a variety airports (including USFPO transfers) and have found that Oakland to be very customer oriented especially compared to the much larger and rigidly structured San Francisco air terminal.
It’s not unusual for charter flights to board and deboard on the tarmac for a variety of reasons.
Remembering very well what happened during the Vietnam war it sickens me that our troops are rudely treated at any time.
So far as Oakland is concerned however I am surprised that troops were mistreated there and wonder how it could have happened so differently there than at other airports.
The KOSmonoffs are having panty issues over this…
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/9/29/19643/6091
Coming in here late…IGM, The President isn’t the Federal Gov’t. We don’t have a 1 person dictatorship here. Obviously, you’re one of those who couldn’t get many answers right on the history/civics test for college. AJMontana, don’t worry about it. We know you’re “good people”.
Well, nothing new in the SF/Oakland area. Same old nonsense. Wonder what would happen if we had a real, honest-to-goodness REAL war. I’m mean, like WW2. California would probably secede and declare neutrality. Remember, liberals think that if we just hug each other (our enemies), all would be well.
How conveeeeenient
Unless I misread the Kos piece, it appears that CNN picked up the story and now DOT is going to investigate.
I bet their lingerie is in a twist over this.
This reminds me of a story:
I “graduated” from AIT (Army School) back in 1987. A bunch of us from my unit had been assigned to Camp Darby in Italy. We all met at JFK (in class A uniform, as ordered) and got on the plane. But the plane broke. It never took off. After a couple of hours the airline unloaded all of the passengers and had us all stand in a long line waiting for tickets to board another plane.
Being newbies we were all sweating bullets. We were panicking about showing up late for our first assignment (when we eventually got there we found out that they didn’t even know we were comming and asked why we were in class A’s since Reagan had just bombed Libya and were walking targets. That’s the Army for you), but I digress…
Anyway, someone from the airline comes up to us (still in line) and asks us where we are going. We say “Pisa via London.” They ask “Would it be okay if you went to Pisa via Rome?” We said we didn’t care as long as we got there.
The lady from the airline took us, AND ONLY US, out of the line an put us in another line leaving for Rome so we could get to our destination quicker. When the ticket agent (or whomever) began handing us our boarding passes the lady that had pulled us out of line told them “No, the boss wants them to go Ambassador Class.” And so we did.
I had never heard of “Ambassador Class” before, all I knew was that I got to choose between shrimp & crab for dinner, got my headphones for free, a big ‘ol seat and free slippers (that said TWA). I’m pretty sure it was an early business class.
I like to tell that story because it was about the only time in my four years of service that any civilian company or individual went out of their way to treat me and my buddies special because we were in the military.
Since then I’ve heard a lot of people talk bad about TWA, but that night they did alright by me. I wish I could thank “the boss” whomever he might be but I never got a chance.
This points up the fact that red tape, much of which is brought about by liberal thinking & PC run amok, is a threat to our very lives. Example recently the lady trapped in her car for 8 days, and still may die, while established “procedures” required so many other uncommon sense things to do before conducting a thorough search. Likely in this Oakland case, I’m sure TSA got wind that there may be a nun on the flight and they had no muslim clad TSA workers on duty to conduct the screening! Oh when will we learn the harsh lessons of life?
That’s fine. I’ve boarded and deboarded on the tarmac and I’m a civillian. It happens, I get that.
But not allowing them into the terminal isn’t cool. It’s the freaking marines. I don’t care if they actual managed to smuggle drugs from Iraq. It’s the Marines. Odds are the terminal is safe.
That no one want “You know what? eff this. Let them in.” disturbs me.
Now can we question their patriotism?
We’ve lost almost all of our heart and soul as a people of the United States of America. We have been reduced to separate enclaves of pigeon-holed PC labels by the MSM in concert with their leftwing liberal elitists. The foxes must be forced out of the hen house. Rock and let’s roll time! Thanks Michelle for keeping us alert.
First, thank you MM for quoting me, I wrote the post at Patterico. Several of the posters here have a lot more knowledge about airport ops than I ever will. I assume that the charter carrier in this case is not running its first flight out of the Gulf and they know what is required by the various airports in terms of security so the passengers (troops) can get off the plane and enter the terminal. I also assume that the head of the TSA at a major airport that I am sure handles troop charters on a fairly regular basis SHOULD be aware of the screening procedures the troops have already gone through and the internal security measures they take during layovers (guard details on the aircraft, etc), and should be able to accommodate these flights. JFK & Bangor seem to have few if any of the problems that Oakland has.
Maybe it is time for the DOD to do a “customer service survey” and decide which domestic airports will handle troop transport charters.
The Marines should sue because they were profiled.
You don’t go drinking in “Red” territory much, do ya?
I don’t see many folks in uniform paying for many drinks, at least in this town…
I think every airline, should seats be available in either first class or business class, would really make points with the flying public if they’d move soldiers into those seats. I’ve donated frequent flyer miles but this would be a special thank you directly from the airlines. Plus, adding an additional layer of security up front would be cost free.
swj #59 - redneck country = real people, enjoying real things.
A group of us having dinner in Texas one night witnessed the management pick up the tab for an entire group that had been wounded and were out on the town with their girlfriends and wives with crutches, canes, and wheel chairs in tow. We tried to get their bar tab but that was covered as well. Dang, I got all choked up. We did our best to make up the tip for the wait staff.
The tsa manager on duty should be fired, and the department head reprimanded for their shameful conduct to these Marines and Soldiers.
Regarding that next our men and women in uniform will be spat upon-heaven forbid-if it occurs and I am around, this OIF vet/USN Retiree will do his best to stop it.
Its bad enough on our college campuses that the military or the pro-war view isn’t welcomed, but I expected that when I returned to school and have wondered when the same left leaning tactics would come around-hopefully it won’t.
“Be very quiet I am hunting trolls
“
When my group came home from Vietnam in 1972 they slipped us into a warehouse at Oakland to keep us out of the public view.That made you feel real good.When we deployed last year we flew to Bangor and there was a large group waiting for us with free coffee and use of cell phones if we needed it.When we returned this group was waiting for us and it was a welcome sight.Great bunch of Americans.It was around 2AM and they were there.It was a big difference from the Left Coast.
I say let’s flood Senators Feinstein and Boxer with emails. California must think they are a separate country. San Fran and Oakland are the worst. I say the next time they have a big earthquake, we should say
enjoy folks, you’re on your own. Maybe the
Russian, Chinese, or Iranian military would like to help clean up the mess.
This is how the troops should have been recieved…
This is 100% on the airport because this was not the first or last military flight that has passed through and this has happened to. All the airport needs is a simple standing order on how to deal with these military flights.
To the rest of the United States, I’m sorry for Pelosi, San Francisco, Feinstein, Boxer, the Court system and all the other loony “Bullcrap” going on in California.
Signed,
A.J.
California Resident
whaaaaaaaaaaaaat???????? don’t apologize for those waywards!!! And don’t allow them to define the Golden State! C’mon now! TAKE BACK CA!
allie-
Nice video and it reminds me of all the deployments I made when we came home and the people welcoming us back.
(I am calling IT because the monitor is getting fuzzy)
GSP
Amen to that. And if the Hollywood libs truly cared about the troops, they would be making movies that honor them, not defame them…but they don’t.
The “left coast” continues to be the “left coast”. To bad it isn’t part of some other country.
I feel badly for those who live there that aren’t moonbats. I know there are a few and for the most part their here. How awful for the Marines. It’s a long trip back to Kaneohe from Kuwait. When hubby came back in Feb. they had to go through SFO on their way home. The Col. suggested since there were only 44 and they were in uniform to change into civies before they boarded the plane to Honolulu and change back once they got airborne from there. They did just that but people still gave them the stink eye.
The days of Hollyweird making movies that honor the troops ended along time ago. They have visions of wonder in their heads about WW2 but nothing positive really since Korea.
I’m not surprised by this at all to be honest though. It’s just sickening and sad that these people who go out of their way to disrespect those who serve get to live in such a beautiful place (well I’ve been told it’s a beautiful place, I’ve never been north of LA).
Recently, Oakland banned a Christian ladies’ prayer group from their online community bullitin board for focusing on family issues - apparently the ONLY thing they have banned from that site.
I’m really getting tired of these Liberal anti-American groups doing all this trash AND GETTING BY WITH IT, WITHOUT COST to themselves for it.
On September 30th, 2007 at 11:25 am, William Teach said:
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
We should DEMAND that the troops NOT BE ALLOWED to go there for ANY emergency of ANY KIND - so they CANNOT BE FALSELY ACCUSED of LOOTING, etc.
MPO
In 2004, I returned from Iraq. in Kuwait, we underwent the most thorough screening I have ever had at by U. S. customs. Every single thing in every piece of luggage was physically checked. The process took almost four hours. To re-do this in Atlanta or Oakland is totally unnecessary and borders on questioning the integrity of the U. S. custom’s system.
On September 30th, 2007 at 2:28 pm, lgm said:
The TSA is a federal agency. If it can’t figure how to be nice to soldiers serving their country, blame the federal government, that would be Bush.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
THAT would be stupid.
Let’s just bring charges to the TSA staff responsibile for the decisions.
Let’s just - FOR A BLOODY CHANGE - just hold the persons who actually did it, TOTALLY ACCOUNTABLE!
Let’s use HATE CRIMES and DISCRIMINATION charges FOR A START.
AIDING AND ABETTING THE ENEMY by undercutting the Military - TREASON.
SEDITION.
Guess which city Oakland is right next to.
I’m not sure about the chain of command at Oakland Airport, but it could be that the management was just using TSA as the excuse and also making TSA do the dirty work.
It might be useful to drop a note to:
http://contact.tsa.dhs.gov/default.aspx
And ask for clarification, if there is a mismatch and TSA says they were acting under orders from Airport management.
IMHO quite often the AIrlines/Airport makes excuses for their own decisions/policiies and hide behind the TSA or “Federal Regulations”
America is being Balkanized.
It is tempting to cut certain airports out of the loop, as one of our number suggested, based on their performance or lack thereof, but wouldn’t the moonbats then simply create campaigns to try to force the military out? And at what point do we say that any portion of this sovereign land is off limits to those that defend it? I realize certain San Fran folks already took action to limit military presence, but we don’t want to ratify such foolishness!
These people can be disciplined, embarrassed and made fools of. Bush refuses to do so. He has shown over and over again that he will sacrifice any individual military man or woman without compunction. he cares nothing about individuals. The people who voted for him did so one by one.
As I’ve said before and I’ll continue to say it, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
TANGERINESONG, I’ll gladly help out any way I can, please let me known what I can do to help, this disrespect of our intrepid troops CAN NOT continue. There is an email ink at the music website linked to my userid here, it comes to me, feel free to use it.
Semper Fidelis!
Oakland is home of Rep Barbara Lee (D) - so I am not entirely surprised.
Weird, though,,,I wonder how recent this new change in proceedure is? I was at the Oakland airport a few years back and when the Marines got off the plane into the terminal most people stopped what they were doing and clapped and cheered and patted them all on the back.
This display was very powerful, very moving and there were plenty of tears to go around.
I would assume this display doesn’t really help Oakland’s…I mean the left’s agenda…perhaps that is why they decided to stop allowing troops in the terminals.
Shame on them.
The only way to get these hypocrites to stand up and take notice is to hit them in their wallets (or woven hemp bags - whatever these loons keep their currency in). This will only happen if and hopefully when businesses turn up the heat. If FedEx took their business elsewhere, Oakland would notice. Alas, many businesses are sympathetic to moonbats and their causes, or, are at least scared to death of taking a stand against them.
I say taser ‘em (the disrespecting airport personnel).
Thanks, Bear. I am going to second that motion, especially since I work on the 32nd floor of a high rise….threat of “the big one” scares the Bejesus out of me!
Do like I did and send Marilyn your thoughts and suggestions on how she can up her game:
Marilyn Sandifur
Media and Public Relations
(510) 627-1193
msandifur@portoakland.com
I will have to clean mine up a bit before hitting send!
“Lack of communications”, my ass. It’s lack of simple courtesy and respect.
Screw Oakland.
This reminds me of coming back from my last deployment. We were isolated at the Ireland Airport for at least 3 hours (it might have been more, I really can’t recall). Oh wait, it was a WEATHER problem! Guess OAK doesn’t have that kind of deniability this time. Don’t give us that BS about “lack of communications”. And to expand on what georgej (Comment #10) said, the ‘babykiller’ namecalling has been going on already. Me, BWI, August 2005, going back to Taji after convalescent leave.
Another easy one - refuel at John Wayne Airport in Orange County instead. Our tax dollars would go into a county that appreciates the troops.
Liberals hate the troops and hate America period! They show it over and over but hide it by saying they “support” the troops. Their actions show otherwise.
Liberals hate America.
Just a couple of thoughts about screening returning warriors and what a welcome back can look like. When I returned from the 1st Gulf war, every soldier’s gear was inspected several times to ensure no contraband, which to us was synonymous with unexploded ordinance. Even after multiple checks, it was not uncommon to see items in the last amnesty box prior to boarding the plane. As a senior office, I was present at the Corps Commander’s daily briefing and, almost daily, there were reports of soldiers attempting to bring “war trophies” in the form of unexploded CBUs (cluster bomb units) or grenades onto airplanes. The Old Man was livid that soldiers would jeopardize the safety of their fellow soldiers by transporting this ordinance on the planes returning to home base in Germany. The purpose was to ensure the safe return of a victorious army, not the debasement of any soldier. I am willing to give today’s Commanders credit for having the same noble purpose and following the time-honored tradition of “Take Care of Soldiers.”
As to the Oakland reception, nothing could have been more different than the reception we received upon our return to Germany. When we deplaned at Stuttgart International Airport, we came down the staircase and stepped onto a red carpet. A color guard was proudly displaying the United States flag along with the U.S. Army and VII Corps colors. A band was playing appropriate martial music and a General Officer shook the hand of every deplaning soldier and welcomed them back. The German authorities had no problem with any of this. The German airport personnel and others present at the airport treated us with respect. We boarded buses to be returned across town to base, where after turning in our weapons and gas masks, we were reunited with our families. Oakland could certainly learn from this.
Hmmm… It was for “security reasons”. I wonder what security risk US soldiers who are serving our nation present? Yet another reason to stay out of Kalifornia.
I say we sell Northern Ca. to the Chinese as a free bombing range, ring it with a fence and have a few brews while the bombs start dropping.
The War must be going well if the left is resorting to these desperate tactics. Just another reason to steer clear of the Bay Area.
“Security risk” is funny. I remember seeing Ft. Lewis soldiers in Sea-Tac during the Vietnam War, carrying their weapons through the terminal. Felt plenty safe.
Same bull crap — different war.