NORDLAND — Looking at the entrance to Naval Magazine Indian Island gives a quick indication of how security measures have changed on the North Olympic Peninsula since Sept. 11.
There are the vehicle barriers leading to the main gate — “hydraulic anti-vehicle penetration systems” in military-speak — reinforced fence lines, truck inspection stations and a front gate with a door policy tighter than the old Studio 54 nightclub.
In the airspace above the base, the U.S. Navy is seeking to make what is a now a temporary no-fly zone into a permanent one.
Offshore, boaters and kayakers are told to stay 1,000 yards from the ordnance loading pier.
Cmdr. David Belt characterized the changes at the North Olympic Peninsula’s only naval station as a “quantum leap” beyond what was in place before last Sept. 11.
Expect security measures to remain that way.
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The rest of the story appears in the Sunday Peninsula Daily News. Click on SUBSCRIBE to get the PDN delivered to your home or office.