This morning I received an email from the brother of a Marine in the unit referenced below. The email speaks for itself and raises some disturbing questions. While outside OC, it's an issue that is worth sharing. The text below is unedited, although I have removed the name of the Marine who authored the email:
Marines and Soldiers Returning from Iraq not allowed into Oakland terminal
On September 27th 204 Marines and soldiers who were returning from Iraq were not allowed into the passenger terminal at Oakland International Airport.Instead they had to deplane about 400 yards away from the terminal where the extra baggage trailers were located.
This was the last scheduled stop for fuel and food prior to flying to Hawaii where both were based. The trip started in Kuwait on September 26th with a rigorous search of checked and carry on baggage by US Customs. All baggage was x-rayed with a "backscatter" machine AND each bag was completely emptied and hand searched. After being searched, checked bags were marked and immediately placed in a secure container. Carry on bags were then x rayed again to ensure no contraband items were taken on the plane. While waiting for the bus to the airport, all personnel were in quarantined in a fenced area and were not allowed to leave.
The first stop for fuel/food and crew change was in Leipzig Germany. Troops exited the aircraft and took a bus to a reception area in the terminal, where there was a convenience store, phones, Internet and restrooms. As we exited the bus we were given a re-boarding pass. Three troops remained on the plane with the rifles and pistols. There was no ammunition on the plane and the bolts of the rifles had been removed. After about 2 hours troops re-boarded the plane and flew to JFK in NY.
At JFK the procedure was similar to Germany, 3 troops stayed on the plane to guard weapons while the rest deplaned. At the gate we were each given a re-boarding pass and spent about 1.5 hours in the terminal, at which time we re-boarded and flew to Oakland.
As we came in for the final approach to Oakland a Lieutenant who served in Afghanistan with the same unit in 2006 mentioned how when they landed in Oakland they were not allowed in the terminal. He said, "they made us get out by the FED EX building and we had to sit out there for 3 hours". He also indicated he was almost arrested by the TSA for getting belligerent about them not letting the Marines into the terminal.
Well, the same thing happened again. This time we did not park by the FED EX building, instead we were offloaded near the grass that separates the active runway from the taxi ramp, about 400 yards from the terminal. When we inquired why they wouldn't allow us in the airport they gave us some lame excuse that we hadn't been screened by TSA. While true, the screening which we did have was much more thorough than any TSA search and was done by US Customs. Additionally, JFK didn't seem to have a problem with our entering their terminal, nor did security in Germany.
It felt like being spit on. Every Marine and soldier felt the message loud and clear, "YOU ARE NOT WELCOME IN OAKLAND!"
I have long ago decided that I will NOT go to the PRK (peoples republic of Kalifornia) for any reason.
This is due to the fact that it seems the "loonies" rule the roost over there.
AZ has everything I could ever want and I can even legally carry a weapon if I choose to.
Bob
Posted by: Former Cavalry Trooper | October 01, 2007 at 11:02 AM
TO: "Ok, here's your reason:"
Hey dumbf#$k we fly commercial aircraft when deploying ... NICE TRY on dispelling the incident... STFU!
Posted by: Paratrooper | October 01, 2007 at 12:17 PM
There is absolutely NO DAMNED reason for these so called AMERICANS to treat our AMERICAN GI'S like this. I have personally lodge a complaint with the Oakland Mayors office and I Beg you all to do the same! BTW he's an ex-Marine!
Gordon L. Hartley
USAF Retired
Posted by: Gordon L. Hartley | October 01, 2007 at 06:54 PM
Seems to be an issue with TSA which is a federal agency. What this has to do with Oakland or California I have no idea other than Gibson and Fox News pulling their usual pot stirring antics. Come on out to the Bay Area mid month when we host Fleet Week and the Blue Angels and see for yourself that Gibson, O'Rielly and all the other blowhard far right nutjobs are full of crap.
Posted by: Paul | October 02, 2007 at 01:39 AM
Well, what say you deniers now ? I beleive Oakland Airport Authority and the Oakland Mayor and the rest of the bleeding heart liberal socialist owe our fine Marines an apology, because if not for their courage you wouldn't have the Freedom of Speech.
Posted by: J. Philip, Mt. Olive, Louisiana | October 02, 2007 at 07:31 AM
These people at Oakland Airport just don't get it. But, I know they can count their money. Until they get it...Boycott Oakland Aiprport!
I often have to travel to the bay area on business. Perhaps anyone else that cares about our troops should make an effort not to travel through Oakland Airport. There are plenty of alternatives...Sacramento, San Jose, San Francisco. Or, simply make the drive if you can. When they see their passenger count go down, perhaps they'll pay more attention to our troops.
Posted by: Tony Catrambone | October 02, 2007 at 09:03 AM
YOU SHOULD HAVE NO AUTHORITY WHATSOEVER TO DENY OUR HEROES THAT FIGHT FOR THIER LIFE AND THIER FAMILIES THAT SUFFER MORE THAN THEY DID DURING THEIR DEPLOYMENT,
Posted by: PVT. potanginanyo | October 02, 2007 at 10:06 AM
This is more disrespectful to our troops than NORFOLK VA. campaign (DOGS AND SALIORS KEEP OFF THE GRASS) pull federal moneys and programs out of Oakland.
Posted by: John | October 02, 2007 at 10:40 AM
Having been on a number of deployments, the explanation seems a bit thin. Yes they have a nice USO, so what if the troops can't get in to see it. Security is a bit thin, let's face it, only in the Bay Area would a planeload of Marines and Army troops be considered a security risk. I could be wrong but it used to be that the first US landing was where customs and other paperwork was accomplished, since they had been to JFK already, I fail to see the issue. As for the Runway issue, what they don't have taxiways??
Greg
USAF Retired
Posted by: Greg | October 02, 2007 at 11:41 AM
I posted the email to by blog yesterday with credits and trackback.
Today I received a comment referring my to a TSA statement as follows between stars:
***TSA STATEMENT ON INCIDENT INVOLVING U.S. TROOPS AT OAKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/oakland.shtm
On Thursday, September 27, 2007 North American Airlines flight #1777 carrying soldiers and marines landed at Oakland International Airport from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) where passengers were screened by U.S. Customs upon landing from overseas.
At no time were service men and women prohibited from entering the sterile area of Oakland International Airport by TSA personnel or regulations. Airport officials, the airline and ground handling company coordinated the arrival and all services associated with this flight, including refueling, refreshing supplies on the aircraft, maintenance checks and all passenger services.
TSA personnel across the country have worked closely with airports to ensure the utmost care when handling flights involving our troops and will continue to facilitate their movement to the greatest extent possible while ensuring a high level of security for all travelers.***
My response was this:
"At no time were service men and women prohibited from entering the sterile area of Oakland International Airport by TSA personnel or regulations."
Is the sterile area an area where all the public may shop and mingle?
Is this restricted to military personnel only and does this area have shopping facilities, restaurants and similar areas as the other areas within the terminal, if this is different from the regular terminal?
We understand the rest of the statement but it never says the Marines were, in fact, allowed into the airports regular terminal or non-USO facilities.
Therefore, we should presume the well written email stands unless refuted in a factual sense by TSA, not an elusive statement with more spin than substance.
Posted by: Don Bistrow | October 02, 2007 at 01:23 PM
I think this is B.S. Our men and women in the military have worked their butts off and this is how they are thanked? My husband is currently serving in the Army and if he is ever treated like that I will do my best to ruin future business for the company involved. Isn't this discrimination just like it would be if the plain was full of any other group of people??? It's wrong and very sad.
Posted by: Sarah | October 02, 2007 at 02:44 PM
My husband was on this flight. Everything said in this letter is completely true. Sad, but true.
Posted by: brittany | October 02, 2007 at 02:46 PM
Seeing as how some of them had the privilege to rape and murder abroad, a little tarmac trouble is a small price to pay.
Posted by: Brock | October 02, 2007 at 08:57 PM
This is shameful! As an American as well as a native Californian I am totally embarressed by the treatment given to the men and women who put their lives on the line so the rest of us can have the freedoms we so often take for granted. Just think of what condition the world and our own country would be in if we didn't have devoted men and women who love what our country stands for...individual rights, freedom of speach, the right to travel where and when we please, the right to worship or not worship in our own way, you get my point. I hope people will show thier outrage and boycott Oakland Airport! And BRITTANY, I'd like to see you get your fat ass over there and see how you'd like to wear a bag over your head (being a female...I take it) and see you defend yourself. Just because we hear about one or two unfortunate events involving our guys doesn't mean they all go over there and go cray doing things they shouldn't. So if you don't like how things are here...get the hell out!
Posted by: Nancy | October 03, 2007 at 01:13 AM
My mistake, Brittany, that should have been to BROCK, who probably is a guy (and prabably still needs a bag over his head).
Posted by: Nancy | October 03, 2007 at 01:19 AM
This is a slap in the face of our military. I don't understand how peple in our country could treat the volunteers that defend our country like criminals. There is more reverance and compassion given to wild animals in our country than to our soldiers. I am sure there are many patriotic people in Oakland that are upset with this action as I am. But I am also sure there are people on the left coast that are applauding this action. I wish these people would leave this country if they are so dissatisfied. Maybe they would come to appreciate the freedoms they have here and be thankful to the soldiers who fought and and who have died to protect those freedom rights.
Posted by: Larry York | October 03, 2007 at 05:37 AM
All federal funding and support (including FAA air traffic controllers) should be pulled out of Oakland airport - let's see how long they stay in business then!
Or maybe the Marines from 29 Palms should roll some M1's in there and take it over so this doesn't happen again!
Posted by: Mark | October 03, 2007 at 05:49 AM
Most Marines are aware that the Bay Area is a liberal place that doesn't have much time for our government or our service men and women. During the Vietnam era I experenced the hatred first hand in Oakland and San Francisco. I am concerned that we have developed a "protected class" post World War Two who don't understand the personal sacrifice it takes to secure their rights. Clueless people living in a protected bubble. Patricia I'm sure you have had a protected life free from true conflict but I'm sorry, you don't have a clue.
Posted by: Dick Kruse | October 03, 2007 at 08:15 AM
Why? Most Military members experience the unwelcome mat when we arrive at the Bay area. I experienced this feeling of not being welcomed back to our country the USA when I returned from Vietnam 1967-68. Our Military should never be treated like second class citizens, these rights are being taken away. The privileges of free men and women.
Posted by: Russ | October 03, 2007 at 09:48 AM
Why? Most Military members experience the unwelcome mat when we arrive at the Bay area. I experienced this feeling of not being welcomed back to our country the USA when I returned from Vietnam 1967-68. Our Military should never be treated like second class citizens, these rights are being taken away. The privileges of free men and women.
Posted by: Russ | October 03, 2007 at 09:49 AM
Brock, are you freaking kidding me? What an idiot. I've been to Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa and I'll bet you haven't. Rather than raping and murdering, what I saw and did was humanitarian aid. Ever give life saving shots (innoculations) to kids in Africa? Ever provide veternary services to farmers in third world countries? Ever give a bottle of water to a kid who was literally dying of thirst in 150F temperatures. We found lion pits where Hussein would feed opponents to lions for fun not to mention the rape and torture chambers. Come on... Yeah, I figured you hadn't been there. As far as the Oakland Airport goes, it appears to me the airline screwed up and didn't do necessary coordination, but yeah, the airport could have used a little judgement. Hey, a phone call apology from the airport director to the Commander of 3rd Marine Regiment is all that's necessary for this to go away.
Posted by: Brian | October 03, 2007 at 10:23 AM
Russ, unlike in the Vietnam era where returning Vets were spit on etc, today - WE HIT BACK. Its called Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, and its very effecitve.
Posted by: Brian | October 03, 2007 at 10:27 AM
as a retired us army nco, i think the president of theses united states of america and gov. of the state of california owe the us marines and every member of the armed forces an apology for this treatment, if that does not happen i think the marines out to do what marines and every other service member would do if they found themselves under attack in iraq or anywhere else( enough said, an "enemy is an enemy" ) we all swore to defend this country against all enemies foreign and domestic. "
................."rangers lead the way, sir"
Posted by: sgt kevin elkins | October 03, 2007 at 06:12 PM
The Federal Gov. should pull all funding for the FAA and TSA and any other agency. To shut this Airport down for disallowing any soldier his due right to return home after their serving our country. Any member of the Congress or Senate not willing to stop the funding should be concerned about re-election. No matter what feelings we have about war no service man or woman should be denied their right to COME HOME!
Miscommunication on the ground is the weakest excuse that anyone could use.
I am sure that everyone was aware several days before theitr arrival that Marines were COMING HOME.
OAKLAND AIRPORT SHOULD BE SHUT DOWN UNTIL A FULL INVESTIGATION HAS TAKEN PLACE.
Posted by: Jim | October 03, 2007 at 07:03 PM
I don't think everyone 'gets it'. The airplane had a stop in Oakland. The unit was from Hawaii (probably 3rd Marine Regiment). Families of Marines who were from the Oakland area came to the airport to see thier Marines during the layover. The airport should have clued in on all the signs and people waiting, but they were stupid, not necessarily mean. California has always been great to us Marines, and I'd go back in a minute.
I think the statements of apology are the right way to go. Look, San Francisco wouldn't let us film a commercial in their city a month or two prior to this. Now that's rediculous and they sould be cut off from federal funding; but Oakland, with thier obvious embarassment and apologies demonstrated that they had no idea what happens when you ignore Marines. Love us, hate us, just don't ignore us.
Posted by: brian | October 04, 2007 at 01:07 PM