100th SFS scheduled to deploy new speed monitoring device

Published May 2, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Jonathan Light
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

RAF MILDENHALL, England -- The 100th Security Forces Squadron is scheduled to employ a new safety device called a speed cart in May 2014, on RAF Mildenhall.

The main purpose of the speed cart is to show drivers on base their speeds and whether or not they need to slow down.

The cart will be placed in areas where there are large amounts of both foot and vehicular traffic, such as the Exchange or commissary area and around billeting, said Capt. Samuel DeLong, 100th SFS Officer in charge of resources and logistics from Bellbrook, Ohio.

As a result of the cart being solar-powered, it can be placed in areas where it doesn't need to be plugged into a power source.

"We are able to place the cart practically anywhere on base and not have to worry about a battery charge because it is solar powered with two backup batteries," said Staff Sgt. Samuel Perez, 100th SFS Supply NCO in charge from Plainfield, Connecticut.

The device is extremely mobile being on its own cart. It can be easily towed to any area the 100th SFS chooses, he explained.

DeLong said the speed cart will be similar to, but much larger than, the one drivers may have seen as they pass the 100th SFS building.

"We had issues with our old cart because the battery had to be charged via 110 (volt) wall outlets and the battery life was not very long," said Perez. "With this cart using renewable energy, not only should it not lose a charge but it will save the Air Force money on its energy bill as well."

Perez said speeding, both on and off base, is a concern and that hopefully the speed cart will bring awareness to dangerous driving habits and remind members they should drive to arrive.