| Press Release |
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| September 27, 2001 |
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Governor Kitzhaber authorizes National Guard to protect airports
Salem - On Friday, 28 September, Governor John Kitzhaber authorized the National Guard to assist the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) in protecting Oregon's airports. Today, National Guard officials met with Port of Portland and FAA officials in Portland to work out the details of this new mission The Oregon National Guard will deploy 48 soldiers and airmen throughout the state. Starting today, seven soldiers and three airmen will work out of the Portland Airport. Additional troops will be trained by the FAA beginning Tuesday next week.
The distribution plan is as follows: 21 personnel at Portland; six personnel each at Redmond, Eugene, and Medford; and three personnel each at Klamath Falls, North Bend, and Pendleton. The duty uniform for the soldiers and airmen will be determined on a case by case basis. The soldiers will not be armed.
The goal of the National Guard deployment is to augment security at the Nation's commercial airports with a trained and highly visible military presence. National Guard personnel will not replace existing screening personnel. The National Guard will screen and assist local law enforcement officials.
Specific duties will include the following: Monitor and reinforce the pre-existing checkpoint structure and operations; actively provide assistance to screeners and supervisors as necessary; assist in responding to and resolving routine contentious situations, when requested; and assist local law enforcement conducting regular duties at the checkpoint, when requested.
The training will address the following responsibilities:
i. Legal and operational considerations of checkpoint operation;
ii. Courteous and efficient screening;
iii. Safe handling of dangerous or deadly items;
iv. Incident management;
v. Conflict resolution;
vi. Screening techniques and equipment; and
vii. Evaluation of checkpoint operations and provision of recommendations to FAA
Major General Alexander Burgin, the Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard, stated, "This is no different than anything else we do. We will mobilize troops, train them for the mission, and meet the needs of Oregonians. When we are needed, we'll be there".
For more information contact:
Maj. Jeff Julum
(503) 584-3885
Cell: (503) 551-8323
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