As of Wednesday, October 10th, The New Jersey National Guard is involved in security, recovery, and logistical support missions, as well as military operations connected with the September 11 Attack on America. At present there are over 975 NJ National Guard soldiers, airmen, and Naval Militia personnel called to duty for this emergency. To recap some of the missions and operations that the NJ National Guard is currently conducting:

The 177th Fighter Wing (177th FW) of the New Jersey Air National Guard, located at the Atlantic City International Airport, has been flying combat air patrol missions in support of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) since the morning of Sept. 11. Several hundred members of the wing are currently on duty for the emergency. Over two hundred of those airmen have been called to federal service by the Presidential Call-up.

The 57th Troop Command of the NJ Army National Guard is supporting "Task Force Respect" at the Fresh Kills Landfill, Staten Island, N.Y. The Guard is providing a base camp and life support for the FBI and other law enforcement personnel working at the site. The Guard is supporting the site with mobile kitchen trailers, cooks, water medical teams, mechanics, refrigerated trailers, tents, generators, lights and other equipment as needed. The National Guard and NJ Naval Militia have chaplains at the camp for 24-hour religious/spiritual activities and pastoral counseling. NJ soldiers have also been providing a 24-hour guard force at the Homeport housing area on Staten Island where law enforcement workers have been staying since the emergency.

The 42nd Military Police Company is supplementing the active duty military police to help secure Fort Dix 24 hours per day. They conduct patrols and operate the checkpoints at every gate to the post. Also at Fort Dix, the National Guard Emergency Operations Center has been on duty 24/7 since the emergency began.

The 108th Air Refueling Wing (108th ARW) located at McGuire Air Force Base has sent approximately 50 security police to Washington, D.C., to assist in providing security for key facilities and government buildings. Those personnel were part of the Presidential Call-up and will be deployed for up to a year's time. The 108th continues to fly routine refueling missions in support of the Air Force daily.

The 42nd Division Support Command, headquartered at Somerset, NJ is operating the donation warehouse at the Military Ocean Terminal, Bayonne. Over 30 members are providing daily warehouse support to the Salvation Army who is managing donations. Over 1000 tons of donated material has been received, sorted, and warehoused to date.

More than 150 soldiers of the 50th Brigade of the NJ Army National Guard were called to duty by the Governor on October 2nd to provide additional security at three of New Jersey's airports. After strict screening and two days of specialized training by the FAA, these soldiers deployed to Newark, Mercer County, and Atlantic City Airports where they are providing a "highly visible, armed force to enhance existing security and reassure the American people's faith in flying." Armed Guard soldiers are stationed at every security checkpoint at each airport. Public reaction to the presence of National Guard soldiers has been very positive. The mission is expected to last four to six months until new federal security measures are in place in the nation's airports.

More than 75 soldiers from the 50th Brigade of the NJ Army National Guard were deployed on 8 October to augment existing security at the two nuclear power stations in New Jersey following a request from the Governor. No specific threats were identified, but it was considered a prudent precaution to bolster security at these key facilities following the military action in Afghanistan on Sunday. This mission will continue as long as the need exists.

National Guard chaplains statewide have been providing round-the-clock counseling to families, deployed personnel and rescue workers in all locations from Ground Zero to Atlantic City since the start of the emergency.

Army Guard helicopters based at Trenton-Mercer airport have been providing daily support to the FBI and other federal agencies conducting post-attack operations. To date more than 110 missions have been flown by NJ Army National Guard helicopters since 11 September.

More than 1300 inquiries, requests for information, and interviews have been answered by the Public Affairs Office at the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs since the start of the emergency. Additionally, more than 1100 images of operations and consequences of the attack have been processed since 11 September.

If you have questions regarding NJ National Guard operations or missions, please contact Colonel John Dwyer, Public Affairs Officer at 609-530-6939.