Reporters and Service Members Detained at Gunpoint During Vandenberg Base Event

On a Monday afternoon, security officers from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California stopped a convoy that included five news reporters and two Air Force personnel. Although the group was escorted by uniformed public-affairs staff and possessed proper identification and an invitation, officers raised metal barricades, sounded sirens, pointed firearms, and ordered everyone to exit their vehicles with hands raised. The two service members—one enlisted and one junior officer—were handcuffed and placed in base vehicles, while the journalists were instructed to sit on a curb. The detainment lasted more than 30 minutes, causing the media to miss the “golden shovel” groundbreaking ceremony they had been invited to cover. All individuals were released without further incident.

NoozhawkThe IndependentThe Guardian

The ceremony marked the official start of construction for the Air Force Air Education and Training Command’s new Sentinel Formal Training Unit, a 160,000-square-foot campus that will consolidate missile-operator and maintainer training. The facility supports the Sentinel task force, which will eventually replace the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles. Col. James Horne, commander of Space Launch Delta 30, described the project as “more than a new building” and emphasized its role in sustaining a credible deterrent.

NoozhawkThe Guardian

After the release of the detained parties, a security-forces member offered an apology for the interaction.

Noozhawk

• “We respect the military’s need to provide security for the base,” — Tom Bolton, Noozhawk's editor-in-chief

The Independent

• “But clearly what occurred was unfortunate and unnecessary, and potentially dangerous, as firearms were drawn.” — Tom Bolton, Noozhawk's editor-in-chief

The Independent

• “It appears some members of the Vandenberg security team are seriously in need of additional training,” — Tom Bolton, Noozhawk's editor-in-chief

Noozhawk

• “This is more than a new building,” — Col. James Horne

Noozhawk

• “The 160,000-square-foot campus will bring missile operator and maintainer training together in one integrated environment preparing the teams who will operate, sustain and safeguard Sentinel for decades to come,” — Col. James Horne

Noozhawk