For Release: Immediate  Date: September 30, 2001

Fred Hartman Phone:(919) 733-5612

RALEIGH - Gov. Mike Easley announced today that North Carolina National Guard soldiers will be stationed at 12 North Carolina airports as early as this week. The deployment is part of North Carolina's efforts to increase security in the wake of the Sept. 11 tragedy.

"North Carolina is prepared to take any measure necessary to protect the safety of our citizens," said Easley, who activated the Guard within hours of the attacks on Sept. 11. "I intend to be absolutely certain that our airports are secure and our citizens' air travel is safe. The economy of the state and nation depends upon safe and efficient air travel. At a time when the private sector is stretched thin, it is vital that we have highly-trained personnel in charge of security at the airports."

Before deploying troops, Easley said he wants to make certain that the Guard is properly trained in all Federal Aviation Authority regulations to assure their effectiveness. The FAA is providing that training this week. The federal government has agreed to pay the costs of the training and deployment.

Members of the Guard will be deployed to 12 commercial airports in North Carolina. They are Albert J. Ellis Airport (Richlands), Asheville Regional Airport, Charlotte/Douglas International Airport, Craven County Regional Airport, Fayetteville Regional Airport, Hickory Regional Airport, Kinston Regional Jetport, Moore County Airport, Piedmont Triad International Airport, Pitt-Greenville Airport, Raleigh-Durham International Airport, and Wilmington International Airport.

NOTE: Easley will tour the North Carolina Military Center, headquarters of the North Carolina National Guard, located at 4105 Reedy Creek Road in Raleigh on Monday (Oct. 1) at 1:30 p.m. He is expected to address additional steps North Carolina intends to take using fire, rescue and medical personnel.

Easley will be briefed by Adjutant General William Ingram Jr. and Crime Control and Public Safety Secretary Bryan Beatty on the current status of the National Guard deployment to assist with airport security.

Due to federal security requirements at National Guard facilities, media will need to arrive by 1 p.m. in order to clear security prior to the Governor's visit. Please have a photo ID card and a company/media ID. The Department of Crime Control and Public Safety's media ID card will suffice for the latter. For additional assistance, please call the Guard's Public Affairs Office at 919-664-6242.

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