Guard Begins Security Detail At MidAmerica Airport
Missouri Crew Set For Duty At Lambert
Provides A Highly Visible, Armed Deterrent
MidAmerica Airport, Illinois (October 6, 2001) -- The Illinois National Guard assembled at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport on Thursday, two days earlier than the Missouri National Guard was scheduled to make it to Lambert-St. Louis International Airport.
At MidAmerica, the Guard will provide security for the one Pan American Airways flight the airport has six days a week.
Chief Warrant Officer Bud Roberts of the Illinois National Guard would not disclose how many members of the Guard would be stationed at MidAmerica.
"For security reasons, we don't give exact numbers," Roberts said.
The Federal Aviation Administration decided all airports with scheduled passenger service would receive National Guard protection, no matter the size.
The National Guard was called out to airports on the recommendation of President Bush to governors of each state for security reasons, to help revive public confidence in flying.
Lt. Tamara Spicer, public affairs officer for the Missouri National Guard, said a show of force is important.
"The main purpose is to provide a highly visible, armed deterrent at security checkpoints," she said.
Gov. George Ryan made the announcement for Illinois airports Wednesday. More than 200 members of the Guard would supplement security at 12 Illinois airports throughout the state. The 933rd, 333rd and 233rd military police companies were deployed out of Springfield, Freeport and Chicago.
"The traveling public needs to know it is secure at all of our airports, whether it's Chicago's O'Hare, or airports in Bloomington, Peoria or Carbondale," Ryan said.
The National Guard will be under control of the governor but is being paid for by the federal government.
"At this point (the cost) isn't known. There isn't a dollar figure set on that yet because of all the factors," Roberts said. "The duration of this is unknown at this time. It could be up to one year, but the exact duration is unknown. The governor is working on a security system, and once that is implemented, the Guard will pull out."
The Missouri Guard is expected to arrive at Lambert today after spending the week training at Fort Leonard Wood.
The Guard's duties will vary from airport to airport and will be determined by each airport's existing security system and the FAA.
Roberts said Guardsmen could be involved in checking baggage and identification or may just be on guard at the checkpoints.
"The FAA and the airport managers will look at how it would be best tailored to them and their specific needs," Roberts said. "We respond to orders."
Information provided by the Belleville News-Democrat
Sue Britt Article © the Belleville News-Democrat
| 
Email
Return to Home Page