Just as an update to what is going on reference photographing military aircraft at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI). I am in contact with the installations Public Affairs Officer (PAO). The PAO confirms that there is no Photographers Letter Of Authorization for civilians either on or off the installation. There is a protocol for both recognized media sources and civilian contractors doing work on the base. However, as a civilian not on government property, there really is no such letter for my (our) circumstances. The PAO has a meeting scheduled with both base security and their legal team to try and come up with a resolution for my (our) circumstances. He adds that base security is always their priority and I agree with that. So at this time at least I know Im free to shoot from the location where I have been contacted by security EVERY time I have been there. The last time being where things escalated to this current state of affairs. I maintain that Im free to shoot as I see fit as long as Im NOT trespassing on government property. Thats a no-brainer for me. The PAO did state that Im (us) are also free to photograph at Coupeville OLF as long as we stay off Navy property. Again....thats a no-brainer. One last request from the PAO was that I resist photographing from the location I was contacted at by security until he has had his meeting. I will comply with his request. As I told him, I wish to keep the lines of communication open and not have this turn into an adversarial situation. I get the impression from our email exchanges that he really is a nice guy. Its really just a juggling act for him to maintain security but also respect my (our) rights as civilians photographing on non-government property. Terry
Posted on: Fri, 18 Apr 2014 19:57:45 +0000
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