News Releases for November 2001
November 9, 2001
Contact: Rob Keller, Public Information Officer, National Guard (701) 220-7277 or
LTC Greg Wilz, National Guard (701) 333-2045
Hoeven Increases Guard Presence At Airports
BISMARCK, N.D. - Governor John Hoeven today ordered a 25 percent increase over the existing level of deployment of National Guard personnel at the state’s commercial airports.
The Governor’s directive to augment airport security came in response to a request by President Bush to the nation’s governors, according to Hoeven. The President authorized federal funding for the newest deployment until January 6 to encourage the public to travel over the holiday season.
“We’re enhancing security not in response to a specific threat,” Hoeven said, “but rather in an effort to provide additional security to accommodate the holiday traffic.”
Hoeven said the process of deployment would begin immediately, with full deployment completed within the week. National Guard personnel functions may include:
- Securing perimeter control
- Monitoring passenger screening check points and baggage screening gates
- Manning access points to terminal ramps
- Monitoring curbside activity
- Guarding air traffic control facilities, and
- Maintaining control of general aviation facilities
National Guard members deployed today received security training through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), along with troops in an earlier, ongoing deployment made at the President’s request on September 27, Hoeven said.
“As we have in the past, we’re responding quickly and conscientiously to the President’s request,” Hoeven said. “We expect the public will want to see friends and loved ones over the holidays, and this move makes doing so a little easier.”
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