Local military bases look at security

PENSACOLA, Fla. - After the shootings that took place at Fort Hood, Tx., everyone is on edge. Since Northwest Florida is such a strong military area, folks want to know what's being done on our bases. The navy bases in the area aren't changing security at all. Some people worry that a similar tragedy could happen here.

It's a somber day across the country, especially on military bases. Security is heightened at many places but people driving through the gates at Pensacola naval air station won't be seeing anything different at all.

"As far as security aboard NAS Pensacola, security and safety is always paramount. Right now we felt there's no threat to the navy, our security posture hasn't changed," Public affairs officer, Patrick Nichols said.

Several people in the area are now wondering if the same tragedy could happen here.

"Some people just snap and do unfortunate things, and that was one of the most unfortunate things I ever heard of before. I think there should be more security of the boys in the Navy, have more rules and everything," Doris Dickson said.

"To maybe boost up what they are doing, background checks, I can understand they can only do so much, there's only so much anybody can do about it, doesn't make you feel any better about it," Debby Payne said.

Pensacola NAS says it isn't that simple. Background checks are done on every sailor, and on any contractors who come on base. They change their security on a regular basis, but events around the country usually don't have anything to do with it.

"Our security procedures out here at Pensacola NAS do change daily, of course I can't discuss specifically what we do. Our security is through out here on the base. It's a random change its just to keep the bad guys guessing," Nichols said.

The only base locally that has upped security is the Air Force Bases. They wouldn't go into specifics about the changes. They say anytime something like this happens, it affects them, so they make changes accordingly.