via US Space Force
The US Space Force announced today that it has suspended their “Trusted Traveler” program at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Patrick Space Force Base, both in Brevard County.
The Trusted Traveler program allows valid DoD ID card holders to enter a military base without the requirement for occupants of the same vehicle to present identification. The Trusted Traveler program does not apply to restricted areas, airfields, heliports, or obviously, launch pads. There are other uses, like food delivery services, that have also benefitted from the now suspended program.
Space Launch Delta 45 Statement
“The Trusted Traveler program has been suspended at Patrick SFB and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station until further notice. Any individuals WITHOUT a DoD-approved access credential (e.g. CAC, dependent ID, retiree ID) will be required to obtain a visitor pass, even when traveling with a DoD ID card holder. The Visitors Control Center is not manned on the weekends, so passes will only be processed at the East Gate.
-Members in housing who currently have family members visiting will be required to get visitor passes and all new visitors will require passes.
-Golfers with an annual base pass can no longer bring or sponsor additional visitors.
-Food delivery drivers who do not have base access will no longer be authorized on base. All food deliveries will be picked up at the East Gate.
-Event Bright tickets for launches will be terminated.
Although there are currently no known threats to the installations, we are taking this step to ensure the safety and security of our personnel, residents, and visitors. We encourage everyone accessing the base to be prepared for additional screening protocols. For more information and to learn how to obtain a visitor pass, please visit:
https://www.patrick.spaceforce.mil/Resources/Visitors-Control-Center/
Following the link to the Visitor Control Center page, some insight as to the reasoning of the DoD decision (this also affects other bases and other service branches) may be found:
As of Jan. 3, 2025, Patrick Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station will implement new base access security enhancements, and the Trusted Traveler Program will be suspended until further notice. All visitors will be required to obtain a base pass, even when traveling with a military ID card holder. This decision was made to ensure the safety and security of the personnel, residents, and visitors.
At this time, it is unknown how this will affect public access to the Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum’s exhibits at Launch Complex 26 and Hangar C, both of which are inside the security perimeter for CCSFS.
Given the terror attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas in recent days, the decision seems to be a prudent one for the time being. For official information, follow the link above or consult your command structure if you are a service member.
