Tinker operation meant to catch drug users off guard

Published April 10, 2009
By Micah Garbarino
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Flashing lights, special agents and military working dogs manned checkpoints near a Tinker gate, late April 3 into the morning hours of April 4, during an operation where vehicles were searched and Airmen screened for alcohol and drugs.

Operation Nighthawk lasted nearly six hours. It is a tool used by base leadership and law enforcement to catch Airmen who have abused drugs.

"Illegal drugs, our national defense and military service values don't mix. Operations like this allow us to weed out those who choose behavior incompatible with military service, and serve as a reminder to others that this kind of behavior won't be tolerated. Our missions and the jobs we're charged with everyday are too important to be done by those abusing drugs," said Col. Mona Lisa Tucker, 72nd Air Base Wing vice commander who, along with 72nd ABW Command Chief Master Sgt. Eric Harmon, was present at the inspection.

The Air Force also uses random urinalysis, but some drugs leave the system quickly, making them hard to detect during the duty day. A late-night surprise inspection increases the chances of catching drug users off-guard, before they've had a chance to flush their systems or stash any contraband.

"Ah man, I just got back from leave and come back to this," said one Airman while Air Force Office of Special Investigations agents searched his car.

Only the active duty military members were asked to take a urinalysis test. Civilian drivers entering base had their vehicles swept with a military working dog, searched and then allowed onto the installation. Every military member was tested, from the lowest to the highest ranking.

"If you come through that gate (during the operation) and you're in the military, you're getting tested," said OSI Special Agent Robert Lawler, who oversaw OSI's participation in the event.

The agents and security forces members were aided by chief master sergeants and first sergeants from across the installation. They met Airmen near the gate, talked with them and let them know what to expect. The operation's larger team was made up of approximately 30 Airmen that also included legal and medical personnel.

"The fact that the base commander is willing to do this, shows the zero tolerance policy toward drug abuse that Air Force and base leadership have," said Special Agent Lawler.

Airmen reacted differently to the news that they would need to give up a portion of their Friday night to be tested and inspected. Some were compliant, others frustrated, but all of them were stunned, which is the point of the operation.

"During these operations we find some contraband, we find some alcohol and drug abusers. ... But we also make the point that this is totally random. We want people to be surprised," Agent Lawler said. The operations are planned and implemented at the direction of the base commander, who chooses the place and time.

"I can't tell you when, but I can tell you one thing," said Agent Lawler. "There will be more."