NEWARK, New Jersey – National Guard soldiers armed with M-16 rifles fanned out to take up positions at New Jersey’s three major commercial airports Friday, hoping to reassure travelers with their presence.
At Newark International Airport, the soldiers took up positions at security checkpoints where passengers and their carryon luggage are scanned.
Two to four soldiers dressed in camouflage uniforms and cloth caps stood near the scanning machines at each checkpoint in the airline terminals.
Ninety guardsmen were assigned to Newark and would work around the clock in three shifts, said Col. John Dwyer, spokesman for the New Jersey National Guard. Twelve each were assigned to Atlantic City and Trenton Mercer airports, he said.
“It’s a somber thought of having to put armed troops in American airports,” he said, noting that this was the first time since World War II that the Guard had been assigned to such duty. But he said their presence was a necessary step.
“They are here to rebuild the confidence in American airlines,” he said.
Passengers had mixed feelings about the soldiers’ presence.
“It’s good to reassure the American public that we’re being protected. People have to get back to being normal,” said Janet Zapata, 55, of Short Hills, a jewelry historian on her way to Knoxville, Tenn., to deliver a lecture.
Phyllis Quinn, 50, of Denver, said she would feel better if more bags were being searched.
“I’m not sure that the presence of any kind of security is going to make me feel any better,” she said.
Jerry Funk, 60, of Annandale wondered what the guards would do.
“It helps some in that security was so lax before,” but “if they’re just standing there, then that’s nothing,” he said. (AP)
