Vance ensures security with new fence Published Dec. 7, 2006 By MSgt George F. Jozens Public Affairs Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- Vance is more secure because of new and improved fencing around the base. The base is about 85 percent complete with a fencing project that contracted for more than $1 million. "We started by replacing the west and south airfield fencing," said Armen Robbins, a Vance civil engineer. "Other parts of the fencing are getting arms to hang the three-strand barbed wire above the fence." The fencing that was put up is six-foot chain link with a cement footing and three stands of barbed wire on extending arms, according to Vance civil engineers. "In addition to the south and west fence, we are replacing fencing between the gates," Mr. Robbins said. "The fence between the gates has a reinforcing cable in it which can stop a person from driving through it." The new fencing is replacing a fence that was not as secure. "The six-foot chain link fence and it attachments are replacing something equivalent to four-foot hog wire," Mr. Robbins said. "We also moved some of the commercial gates." The financing for the entire project, $1,012,696, was paid for by Air Education and Training Command and supported a need for force protection, according to civil engineers. "The fence makes the base more secure," said 1st Lt Amy Manley, 71st Security Forces. "We also had some of the crash gates moved to better security." In addition to the new fencing there were modification and additions to portion of the perimeter fencing. "We worked closely with the base security forces to ensure the job is done correctly," Mr. Robbins said. "We're preventing intruders from entering the base through the culverts and drainage areas." The new fencing also ensures Vance is in compliance with security instructions, Lieutenant Manley said. The entire project should be completed in March.