Sequestration may have impact on some NMUSAF tours

[Steve Nelson]

No political intent here...just thought I'd pass along some info. I'm considering a visit to the NMUSAF in a couple weeks, and possibly taking the Behind The Scenes Tour. When I was checking the website for tour availability, I noticed this message:

Note: With sequestration now in effect, the Behind the Scenes Tours scheduled for May 2013 may be impacted. We will announce on April 5 our final determination regarding our ability to offer these tours.

There's no mention of possible impact on the tours to the Presidential/R&D Hangars..but like the Restoration hangars, they're also on the active side of the base, so I suppose it's a possibility. It doesn't appear operations or hours at the main museum campus will be affected.

Just FYI, for those considering a visit this spring or summer.

SN

[JohnB]

Aren't they conducted by volunteers?
Still, I suppose they use a USAF bus to get to the other side of the old runways.

[Steve Nelson]

As I mentioned, the restoration hangars (and Presidential R&D as well) are on the active side of the base, meaning that visitors are only allowed at the discretion of the USAF (it was completely off limits for several months after 9/11, and tours only resumed after more stringent security measures were put in place.) I'm assuming that budget cuts could stretch security a little thin, and riding heard on a bunch of civilian tourists is a low priority (and you're right, they use USAF buses for the tours.)

SN

[JohnB]

I'm assuming that budget cuts could stretch security a little thin, and riding heard on a bunch of civilian tourists is a low priority (and you're right, they use USAF buses for the tours.)
SN

If you have X many Security Forces (or contract cops) people on duty at any given base at any given time, they've got to be there budget be darned.
On my last visit, I don't recall seeing any security folks permanently based at the USAFM hangars, so that should not be an issue.
If they're looking for an excuse to cancel tours, busses yes, but not security.

[eagle21]

I'm assuming that budget cuts could stretch security a little thin, and riding heard on a bunch of civilian tourists is a low priority (and you're right, they use USAF buses for the tours.)
SN

If you have X many Security Forces (or contract cops) people on duty at any given base at any given time, they've got to be there budget be darned.
On my last visit, I don't recall seeing any security folks permanently based at the USAFM hangars, so that should not be an issue.
If they're looking for an excuse to cancel tours, busses yes, but not security.

Just speculation, but "contract" cops will be furloughed/cut and regular Security Forces already are (over)used on deployments, thus the need for "contract" cops in the first place. Lack of availability of Security Forces personnel can be a very real issue.

My thoughts only, JMC

[Mike Bates]

I was there last April. Looked like contract at the gate. Did not see any at the hangers. Either way they have to man the gates either contract or AF so dont see that being an issue. If I remember right the bus was driven by AF personal (AF Bus) so that my be the reason.

Mike

[Boeing666]

Sorry not trying to change the subject too much - but anyone hear if that will also happen at the Naval Air Museum Pensacola? I wanted to take the tram tour on the ramp where they park the large Navy aircraft - which is also on an active base. Will they not be running the trams too?