LSA customs implements faster flow

Photo By Sgt. Jason Adolphson | U.S. service members volunteer to assist other troops with their bags Dec. 19 at Camp LSA, Kuwait, to keep traffic moving in an orderly pace as they process through the X-ray portion of the customs procedures. Most of the Soldiers said they were going home to visit friends and family for the holidays but some were redeploying to their stateside bases. The camp serves as the largest flight line for troops traveling to and from Iraq.  

CAMP LSA, KUWAIT

12.25.2009

Story by Spc. Jason Adolphson 

1st Theater Sustainment Command

CAMP LSA, Kuwait — The largest flight line for troops coming in and out of Iraq currently transports hundreds of service members per day and camp traffic may be on the rise with the drawdown pulling U.S. Forces out of Iraq.

Navy Central customs officials at the camp are in the process of increasing the facility so more people can come through customs in a quicker amount of time. Lt. Commander Dan Gross said the primary holdup is repacking items after emptying bags for inspectors.

"Before, if the repacking tables were full, people would start repacking their items at the inspection tables and holding up the line," Gross said. "We've expanded from 46 to 80 tables and those numbers are still upping. We're also adding more inspection tables."

Some troops processing through customs here are noticing the difference.

Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Stephens, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, on his way home to visit his wife and kids for the holidays, said he is a veteran to the customs process at LSA. "It's a whole lot better now, and quicker," Stephens said.

Customs first-timer Spc. Kimberley Bennett, 212th Combat Stress Control, said "So far it's been great," as she emptied her items out at an inspections counter.

Changes implemented include a separate tent for the X-ray scan before customs personnel conduct manual searches for contraband.

Customs inspector DC1 Jeff Kruger said servicemembers coming through customs can help to further speed up the process by being prepared for inspections. "The big thing is Gerbers," Kruger said. "People need to know what they can and can't bring. All bags get dumped for 100 percent inspection. We confiscate anything that's not allowed to travel with you."

Contraband items include possession of more than one counterfeit watch, purse or DVD sold by local vendors. Gross said some troops try to bring souvenirs made out of bullet shell cases. He included that all service members attempting to bring home war-memorabilia must have the correct paper work approved by their chains of command.

"Mail stuff home," Gross suggested as a way to speed up the process. "The fewer bags you have, the quicker you'll get through."

• Date Taken: 12.25.2009
• Date Posted: 12.25.2009 12:38
• Story ID: 43142
• Location: CAMP LSA, KW