Operation Zero Tolerance leads charge against DUIs, underage drinking

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shane Dunaway
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  When military members and civilians entered the Berkeley Gate early Saturday morning, they were met by the glare of bright lights and the determination of a 20-plus staff of security forces members taking action against underage drinking and driving under the influence.

Operation Zero Tolerance, which took place from 12:30 a.m. to 3:30 a.m., was the third operation of its kind conducted by the 4th Security Forces Squadron in the past two years, according to Maj.Grant Hargrove, 4th Security Forces Squadron commander. This operation is on rotation with Operation Nighthawk, which checks compliance to standards regarding the U.S. Air Force's drug policy.

Security forces personnel administered breathalyzer tests to every driver who passed through the gate, as well as every underage Airman. Airmen and civilians who chose to take the unnecessary risk of drinking and driving or underage drinking were promptly introduced to a pair of cold, steel handcuffs.

Two civilians were arrested by the Goldsboro Police Department for drinking and driving, while one underage military member was apprehended by security forces for being under the influence of alcohol, said Master Sgt. John Snow, 4th Security Forces Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of plans and programs.

Though Operation Zero Tolerance made DUIs and underage drinking its main target, the security forces members also issued numerous citations for violations of base traffic policies.

Of the 106 vehicles that passed through the checkpoint, security forces cited 23 drivers for failure to provide proof of insurance, according to statistics compiled by Sergeant Snow. Security forces also issued seven citations for failure to maintain current registration and one for failure to wear a seatbelt. A civilian driver was also arrested by GPD for outstanding warrants.

These operations are conducted as often as the high operations tempo of SFS allows.

"It can certainly be a challenge to coordinate these operations, but the available security forces members came together and took on these responsibilities," Sergeant Snow said. "The operation achieved its desired result by reinforcing the 4th FW commander's policy of zero tolerance toward drinking and driving and underage drinking."