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US Troops Begin Airport Deployment to Strengthen Security
As part of the US government's plan to strengthen security and reassure travelers returning to the skies, National Guard troops on Friday began deployment at major airports across the country.
Soldiers of the National Guard troops dressed in fatigues and armed with M-16 rifles and 9 mm pistols were deployed Friday at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport.
California Governor Gray Davis announced the deployment of troops at a news conference at LAX, where 78 National Guard members were deployed. He said the deployment will expand to nine other airports within a week and to 30 airports by October 19.
The troops, trained by the Federal Aviation Administration in terminal screening procedures and conflict resolution, will support civil authorities.
Airport police apparently welcomed the deployment of National Guard troops to help increase airport security. "It's good to have them here," said Los Angeles Airport Police Chief Bernard Wilson.
About 150 National Guardsmen were dispatched to seven airports around Massachusetts to help enforce the Zero Tolerance policy. Two flights that left Boston's Logan International Airport on September 11 were crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City.
Armed National Guard soldiers also began taking up positions in Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Friday morning.
Florida's National Guard troops have been training in Tallahassee since Wednesday. The guardsmen have learned the essentials of airport security, including what to look for in baggage X-rays, and how to spot possible terrorists in airport lobbies and checkpoints.
This mobilization comes as the federal government try to persuade travelers to return to airports. The government will pay for the National Guard troops for six months. Many travelers have avoided air travel since the September 11 terrorist attacks.
The fear for flight added to the woes of the already sluggish economy, raising the worries of the government and public about a worsening economic slowdown.
In addition to increasing airport safety, U.S. lawmakers are also trying to persuade Americans to leave home and boost the travel and tourism industry. Legislation has been introduced for a 500-dollar-per-person tax credit for personal travel expenses.
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