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 four hundred-fifty of those airmen have been called to federal service by the Presidential Call-up. Security police from the 177th have been called to federal active duty and have deployed to selected Air Force bases nationwide to assist with security. 

More than 200 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 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. The mission is expected to last four to six months until new federal security measures are in place in the nation's airports.

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 daily refueling missions in support of the Air Force, including refueling the fighters involved in combat air patrols over the northeast corridor.

More than 90 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. This mission will continue as long as the need exists.

Currently the NJ National Guard has more than 240 soldiers augmenting police security at key Port Authority facilities in New Jersey including the George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, Holland Tunnel, and PATH facilities. Soldiers are currently from combat units of the 50th Brigade and will rotate units every few weeks. While deployed, the soldiers will be housed at local armories. Duties include security of key buildings and transportation hubs, cargo inspections at river crossings, and traffic control at security checkpoints. The troops deployed full-time on 27 October. The mission will continue as long as the need for their service is identified. 

The New Jersey Naval Militia is augmenting security at Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Center in cooperation with the federal security forces there. Members perform security patrols, reinforce checkpoints, and conduct ID checks on entering traffic.

The New Jersey National Guard has been operating its Emergency Operations Center at Fort Dix 24/7 since the emergency began. Subordinate operations centers are also working 7 days per week in Somerset, Atlantic City, and Caven Point. 

More than 1700 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 1300 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.