Space A flight tomorrow - quick question

[Dragonfighter]

I am going to an aunt's funeral in Kentucky. I am taking a space-A flight from Carswell to Andrews AFB, renting a car and driving in (7 Hours instead of 22). Here is what's got me (perhaps prematurely) kind of excited. The Airlift Mobility Command says it follows TSA regulations about what can be checked/carried on board and cites the regs. They list on their site as an item that is allowed on board: "small arms ammunition, properly cased." The TSA regulations they cite has the same stuff about hard case, locked in checked baggage and declared as any other airline. An AMC Navy terminal in New York has a PDF saying that weapons may be stored in the terminal before going onto the base, or into New York.

I could not find any universal information about Space A and checked weapons, I was hoping someone here who has used Space A out of Carswell or Andrews may know.

BTW, the route to Kentucky is Maryland (stored in trunk), Va (Tx CHL good), WV (must be open carried) and Kentucky (CHL Good).

On the way back it will be Kentucky, WV , VA (briefly) and MD.

On a sad(der) note I'll be missing a fallen colleague's funeral (Lt. Tod Krodle) in Greenville on Saturday.

[sjfcontrol]

OK -- I can't help with your actual question, but wanted to let you know that I thought the title was "A Space Flight Tomorrow - quick question". I figured you were asking about taking a firearm on a flight into space!

Actually, I'm a bit disapointed!

[n5wd]

OK -- I can't help with your actual question, but wanted to let you know that I thought the title was "A Space Flight Tomorrow - quick question". I figured you were asking about taking a firearm on a flight into space!

Actually, I'm a bit disapointed!

Obviously, sf.. that shows you've never been in the military. Space-A is one of the bennies of working for Unk Sam... as long as there's space available on a flight that can/does carry passengers, military (active and retired, and overseas it extends to dependents) can hop on a flight for free. In some cases, such as regularly scheduled flights (like the DC shuttle from Fort Worth (NAS Carswell) to DC (Andrews AFB) you can sometimes even book a flight in advance.

Now, to the original OP: I would think the only problem you'd have at NAS Fort Worth is that IIRC the Navy prohibits personal weapons on base. The terminal is not accessible without going on base. If you've got the correct DOD sticker on the car, the chances of a search at the gate may be nil, but... By now, you're already on your way. Hope it worked out.

Condolences on your Aunt's, and your friend's, passing.

[SQLGeek]

Obviously, sf.. that shows you've never been in the military.

Obviously...or maybe not...he misread the title.

Dragon, my thoughts and prayers for your family and friends on the passing of your aunt and colleague.

[sjfcontrol]

Obviously, sf.. that shows you've never been in the military.

Obviously...or maybe not...he misread the title.

Dragon, my thoughts and prayers for your family and friends on the passing of your aunt and colleague.

Nope -- he pegged me. Never in the military.

My thoughts, too, are for the family.

[Dragonfighter]

Obviously, sf.. that shows you've never been in the military.

Obviously...or maybe not...he misread the title.

Dragon, my thoughts and prayers for your family and friends on the passing of your aunt and colleague.

Thanks, I didn't actually cry until I climbed in the rental car to drive back to Andrews. I guess it hit me I'd never see that house again, at least from the inside.

Now that I finally have access to a DoD pooter, I'll fill ya'll in.

To start with, Andrews (home of Air Force 1) didn't hack up near the hairball that NAS Fort Worth did. There is actually guns and ammo sold at the NEX on base now, but a purchase must be escorted to the front gate by SFS.

So here is the Reader's Digest version, DoD Space-A flights mirror TSA regs and therefore a checked and unloaded weapon is legal. No ammo anywhere though* unless you are on TDY or PCS orders (civies don't worry about the acronyms), ammunition must be manually carried by the loadmaster...they don't like that but will do it. If you are leaving NAS Fort Worth, give them as much notice as possible. I am here to tell you you can get it done in a day, but they are not happy campers. If arriving the loadmaster will notify SFS when the park and maintain possession of the bag/firearm until they arrive to escort you off base.

Details:

U.S. Navy OPNAVINST 4660.3A Section 2.5 Legal Arms and Ammunition.
(TSA Hard, locked case requirement applies and is assumed).

• a. All legal firearms, ammunition and other weapons must be placed in checked baggage. Passengers must complete a certificate of ownership (triplicate), which may be produced locally (sample in Figure 2.1). Distribution will be made as follows.
  • (1) 1 copy to aircrew (flight attendant/load master);
    (2) 1 copy to destination station (attached to manifest; and
    (3) 1 copy to originating station file with manifest.
  b. The passenger manifest should be annotated with the letter "W" next to the passenger's name to alert the aircrew and down line stations. Each manifest should contain the following certification, signed/dated by the loading supervisor: <SNIP>

Now Departing Andrews you declare it on arrival, they x-ray tag and keep the bag with them until manifest and manually hand it off to the loadmaster, otherwise passengers keep their bags with them until roll-call. When you come in, it is pretty simple, ALL bags are hand loaded and shuttled around to the unsecured side of the terminal and the loadmaster supervises the repossession of the luggage. At that poit they assume you will obey Maryland and other laws as you proceed directly off base. I was told that if I were to remain on base, SFS should be notified and be governed by their instructions. IOW there is no SET policy and it probably depends on if you are staying the night and departing A.M. or if you are there for the duration.

NAS Fort Worth also said that the aircraft commander can refuse the weapon, but if they are given the good notice, the passenger would be informed before they leave for the base. Others have said that is incorrect though, if regulations are complied with and there is not a weight concern, they cannot refuse a legal non-hazardous package.

I found it ironic that Andrews, though they had specific procedures, didn't have near the headache NAS Fort Worth did. This is evidently a by-product of the post commander's personal issues and policies. At NAS Fort Worth, one must call ahead and FAX in their sign up sheet so that the terminal can forward copies to SFS and alert them to your arrival. Rather than checking in at the gate, go to the visitor's center and notify them, they will have a patrol car meet and escort you to the terminal. When returning to Carswell, the loadmaster/terminal master holds onto the bag until security arrives to escort you (and your luggage) out of the terminal and off of base. Give them AS MUCH NOTICE as possible...this typically precludes next day departures. I have to commend those that went the extra mile trying to get the clearance.

*$20.00 worth of ammo is cheap life insurance.