How would you like to be the guy protecting the Space Shuttle and NASA’s employees and facilities? Talk about a big responsibility? lol
I tell yah, contractors just don’t get any respect these days, yet we are used to protect this country’s space program. Not to mention all the nuclear facilities that contractors are tasked with protecting….
Or for that matter, how about all of the protection specialists out there that protect Fortune 500 CEO’s, politicians, dignitaries, and celebrities here in the US or in war zones and third world countries? It really is impressive when you think about how much security stuff is contracted out. Security contractors and the companies they work for are doing incredible things out there, and Space Gateway Support along with KSC SWAT is one of them. Check it out. –Matt
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Space Gateway Support
PROTECTIVE SERVICES
Protective Services encompasses Security, Fire, Emergency Response, and Command and Control. We protect Spaceport assets while our firefighters, emergency services and communication personnel stand trained and ready to respond.
We provide all police functions; SWAT coverage for elevated security and protection of astronaut crews and space hardware; K-9 narcotics and bomb detection; resource protection; and investigations and industrial security. We operate the only NASA federal law enforcement academy in the United States.
We provide fire suppression and rescue for all Spaceport facilities and launch complexes, including all aircraft arrivals and departures. Our training staff ensures “core standards proficiency” and specialized skills training. Our teams handle Hazardous Materials Response, and our paramedics and emergency medical technicians provide “advanced life support” medical assistance.
Our Joint Communication Control Center processes both emergency and routine telecommunications. Our emergency preparedness personnel operate and maintain the Spaceport’s Emergency Operations Center and Mobile Command Center.
CUSTOMERS
We are the Spaceport’s prime contractor for the Joint Base Operations and Support Contract (JBOSC). JBOSC is a pioneering achievement for both the government and SGS. For the first time, launch support and base operations responsibilities for NASA and the Air Force were combined into a single support service contract for Cape Canaveral Spaceport. This represents the partnering of two distinct federal agencies and the blending of their assets to more effectively achieve a common goal. This was clearly demonstrated in the post-September 11th security environment.
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As shown on the logo, the SWAT team has protected Kennedy Space Center since 1979. Image credit: NASA/KSC
SWATting Trouble
July 12, 2005
If you think it’s hard getting tickets to a summer blockbuster on opening night, try getting into Kennedy Space Center these days to see a Space Shuttle launch.
After two and a half years of anticipation, people around the world want to see NASA boost back into action and the show sells out quick. Thinking about slipping in through the back door?
Think again.
Along with the formidable force of standard security at Kennedy, a highly trained and specialized group of guardians protect the Center from would-be troublemakers. They are the members of the Kennedy Space Center Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team and they mean business.
“We’re here 24-7,” said SWAT commander David Fernandez. “There’s never a point when SWAT is not here, so we’re ready to respond to something if needed at a moment’s notice.”
NASA contracts the 29-member team from Space Gateway Support (SGS) to protect Kennedy’s employees, visitors and national assets like the Space Shuttle from any potential threat. The SWAT team carefully prepares for special events like launch day and the arrival of astronauts and VIPs, but it also stands ready every day for possible problems that may arise.
Additionally, the SWAT team provides support to Kennedy security when special expertise may be needed to diffuse a dangerous situation. Skills like rappelling, defensive tactics, or marksmanship may be used to help keep the peace.
To stay sharp and fit for their job, members of the team have to pass annual physical fitness tests and maintain updated certifications for using their weapons.
“The training that we do out here is very intense sometimes,” Fernandez said. “But that’s because we’re at a stage which could be considered by some to be advanced. The training has to be more intense and challenging.”
As a part of staying in shape, members of the Kennedy Space Center SWAT team participate in competitions with the most elite teams around the world. SWAT officers hone their skills in events testing their speed and accuracy with special weapons and equipment. Last year, the team from Kennedy placed 12th out of 80 teams at the annual SWAT Roundup in Orlando, Fla.
Members of the SWAT team admit that one of the best parts of their job is getting the “big-boy toys.” But senior officer Eric Munsterman said there is also a rewarding bond they share with one another.
“In the civilian world, outside of police work or fire work, I don’t see where you’re going to find [camaraderie] as strongly as we develop it,” Munsterman said.
They may have their differences during the week, but when they suit up and go to work, that all goes away, Munsterman said.
Through a strong commitment to each other, members of the SWAT team ensure things at Kennedy stay safe. If you plan to come see a Space Shuttle launch, make sure you have a ticket.
“If anybody means harm to the astronauts or anyone else that works out here, they’re not getting past us,” Munsterman said.
Jeff Neely, KSC Staff Writer
NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center
Story here.