Q: I’m a junior enlistee (E-4), married with family members living here on base, stationed on USS Kitty Hawk. I recently returned from leave with my family, and as we were driving through the main gate I was instructed to show my liberty card to the attendant while in my vehicle. This was an unusual situation because I’ve asked other qualified, command-approved E-4 and below drivers stationed at other commands here on base when they are to show their personal and family members’ ID cards if a liberty card is to be shown as well. I have been told that other commands do not require this, and it is only required of Kitty Hawk personnel. I am not a trouble maker and I don’t drink! What is the base policy of E-4 and below personnel with approved liberty cards to show to personnel married with dependents while operating a POV through the gate after midnight hours? Why is Kitty Hawk the only command taking part in having to show a liberty card with ID while driving a personal vehicle back on base? This was an embarrassment to my family.

A: The gate guard on duty was absolutely correct to ask for your liberty card. The rule that you are referring to is a CNFJ policy, which applies to all E-4 and below in Japan. You, as a junior enlisted Sailor, should show your liberty card at the gate just as you do at the brow on board your ship. All E-4 and below are required to have in their possession and show at the ship’s brows and gates a valid liberty card, which should state if you are authorized to live off the ship. It sounds like you have received some inaccurate information if you were told that only Kitty Hawk personnel have to show liberty cards. It is CFAY policy to enforce standards and policies fairly and uniformly across all units and commands. Your situation was handled correctly.