DiFrancesco Directs Deployment of National Guard to Three New Jersey Airports

Acting Governor Donald T. DiFrancesco authorized the deployment of an initial wave of 75 New Jersey Army and Air National Guardsmen to augment security at Newark International Airport, Mercer County Airport and Atlantic City Airport beginning Friday, Oct. 5.

"The National Guard will provide a trained, armed military presence at airport facilities throughout our state to reinforce our already heightened security functions," said DiFrancesco. "Our primary objective is to restore public confidence in the airline industry by ensuring our airports are safe and secure and to do our part in getting New Jersey back to business. I am fully supportive of President Bush?s efforts to safeguard Americans and want New Jerseyans as well as visitors to our state to feel safe when flying in and out of our airports."

The guardsmen will work three shifts per day and it is expected they will be deployed for airport security for four to six months, until the federal security and screening enhancements as announced by President Bush are fully implemented. Following two days of intense training this week, the guardsmen will have a full-day of on-site training at the airports before assuming their duties at Newark, Mercer and Atlantic City on Friday.

DiFrancesco pointed out that airport security was increased immediately after the Sept. 11 disaster, with the State Police assisting the Port Authority Police in carrying out security procedures. The deployment of the National Guard will provide back up for the existing security structure, assistance to law enforcement personnel already stationed at the airports and help for the ground security.

"The National Guard is committed to supplementing airport security procedures and protecting passengers on flights in and out of New Jersey," the acting Governor said. "The plan put forward to further secure our airports is consistent with the national strategy outlined by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Guard Bureau and has the full support of New Jersey's law enforcement agencies. The enhanced security measures will serve to safeguard our citizens, boost the airline industry and begin the long road to recovery that our citizens so desperately need. "

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Author: State of New Jersey