News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 9, 2001
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Locke will authorize additional National Guard deployment to Washington airports

OLYMPIA — Augmenting National Guard troops already deployed as part of enhanced security at Washington airports, Gov. Gary Locke today will authorize the deployment of 25 percent (approximately 50) more state National Guard at commercial airports in Washington state.

The order follows President George W. Bush’s request today to the nation’s governors that the additional guardsmen be placed at commercial airports through the holidays.

"This is not a response to any specific threat,” Locke said. “I want people to feel comfortable and confident when going through our airports and flying on our planes during this holiday season. To that end, I support the President's request to augment existing airport security with more specially-trained guardsmen.”

As in the first deployment, ordered on Sept. 27, National Guardsmen will be trained by the Federal Aviation Administration in a number of security disciplines. The additional troops will be stationed at airports through Jan. 7. The first deployment is in place for the next three to five months until the President’s long-term airport security proposals are enacted by the Congress.

“As the President stated today, we want to ensure the public’s confidence in air travel,” the governor stated. “This is additional assurance to the American public that airport security is stringent and that we are taking all prudent steps to ensure that it continues to be so.”

“I ask the regular employers and communities of the men and women of the National Guard for understanding and support while they serve their country,” Locke continued.

The assignment of troops to specific duties at airports is expected to be determined by the FAA. The federal government has agreed to reimburse the state for costs associated with both the September and November deployments.
Related Links:
- Washington National Guard
- Federal Aviation Administration
- The White House / President George W. Bush
- U.S. Senate
- Gov. Locke will authorize National Guard deployment to Washington airports
- U.S. House of Representatives


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