RDU Airport, NC – Members of the North Carolina Army and Air National Guard assumed their posts at RDU Sunday to assist with terminal security operations as part of a nationwide Guard deployment in airports.

Their mission is to provide a highly visible security presence for the purpose of re-assuring travelers and deterring potential security violators.

Guard members will monitor and enforce security operations and support checkpoint personnel and airport law enforcement. In response to the request of President George W. Bush, Governor Mike Easley directed the activation of the North Carolina National Guard for the airport security mission.

The presence of uniformed, armed National Guard members in airports provides a highly visible deterrent to potential violators of federal security rules including attempts to carry illegal items such as guns, sharp objects, mace and other prohibited items on board aircraft.

Guard members will be on duty during hours required to coincide with airport operations.

Only ticketed passengers with boarding passes or airport employees with proper credentials are allowed to approach and pass through security checkpoints.

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