Trial run set to test Bellevue Gate hours Published Aug. 24, 2017 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- The Bellevue Gate hours of operation will change during a one month trial period starting Aug. 28. The gate, which is currently open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., will re-open for outbound traffic from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for one month with the exception of federal holidays and down days. “We will conduct vehicle counts during the trial run,” said Lt. Col. Williams Smith, 55th Security Forces commander. “If the traffic flow during the trial run warrants keeping the gate open, the hours will be adjusted appropriately to meet actual usage.” If there is an on-base emergency anytime during the extended Bellevue Gate hours of 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., the on-duty patrol working the gate may have to close it temporarily to respond. “We aren’t earning any additional manpower, so the gate will be operated by a police patrol as opposed to an entry controller,” Smith said. “If that patrol is dispatched to an emergency, the gate will be closed and, time permitting, re-opened upon termination of the response.” After the one month trial period ends, the 55th SFS will take the data and provide a recommendation on the future hours of the gate. “We’ve received some feedback from across the base about the Bellevue Gate hours, so we’re happy to try and support as needed,” said Maj. Daniel Land, 55th Security Forces Squadron operations officer. “Ultimately it comes down to usage and our ability to support the additional hours while managing our other security requirements.” If you have questions about the new hours, please call the 55th SFS at 294-4880.