National Guard Arrives at RDU, Other Airports

for as long as six months.

By Julia Lamm

Staff Writer

Additional military troops were deployed to airports around the nation, including the 12 largest airports in North Carolina, this weekend as an additional security measure in response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

President Bush ordered the military presence soon after the hijackings, asking for about 4,000 National Guard troops to be trained and sent to the nation's airports.

As part of the measure, soldiers from the Army and Air units of the N.C. National Guard were deployed Saturday to Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

The soldiers are posted at limited security checks throughout the airport, but their presence might be expanded to other locations, such as drop-off locations immediately outside the terminal.

About 90 members of the N.C. National Guard received Federal Aviation Administration training at Fort Bragg on Wednesday and Thursday, according to a press release from the state Department of Crime Control and Public Safety.

Renee Hoffman, the department's director of public affairs, said he is not sure how long the military presence will be in place.

"It could be as long as six months, but it could be shorter," Hoffman said. "Their presence will provide a deterrent to anybody who might act."

Teresa Dominao, RDU's marketing and communication director, explained that a primary reason the troops are there is to serve as a visual deterrent.

Another reason is for additional general security in the airports.

"Their operations are to support the security functions in airport terminals," Dominao said.

Other security measures implemented since the attacks include changes in parking, bag searches and passenger screening.

Several travelers noticed the changes in security at RDU, especially the new military presence.

Edward Todo Martinez of Spain said he was apprehensive when he discovered he would be traveling internationally.

"After the 11th I was real nervous to come here to the United States," he said, adding that the security presence he saw here in the United States made him feel better about flying.

But some were not so understanding of the additional measures.

Sue Ingle of Cary said, "I think that we need a federal representation at the airports -- I'm not so sure about military."

Ingle said she thought the presence was largely a symbolic deterrent for terrorists.

"I'm a little uncomfortable with the shotguns and uniforms," she said.

Donna Jackson of Holly Spring said she fears the military presence might harm the airport industry.

"I think too much security and it will turn people off from flying," she said.

Jackson said she has noticed an increase in awareness of safety at the airports. "I think people are keeping an eye open for a change," she said.

Vanessa Sandler, a student at N.C. State University, said she likes the added military presence. "I think what they did with the security is better," she said.

"It makes me feel much safer."

The State and National Editor can be reached at stntdesk@unc.edu.