LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ - As of Tuesday, October 30th, 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 1150 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 four hundred 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 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 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.

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, including refueling the fighters involved in combat air patrols over the northeast corridor.  An additional 72 personnel were called to active duty Oct. 30 to support on-going air operations.

 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 1200 tons of donated material has been received, sorted, and warehoused to date.

 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.

 Currently the NJ National Guard has more than 200 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 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. 

 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 ongoing 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.

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 1650 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. 

 Two missions that were being performed by the New Jersey National Guard were recently completed and the troops released from active duty. The 57th Troop Command was relieved of the mission of providing “base-camp” operations for the Fresh Kills Landfill on 25 October. The 42nd Military Police Company stood down from providing security at Fort Dix on 21 October.

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