Speeches

Remarks by Governor Judy Martz
Montana National Guard Providing Security at Airports
Helena, Montana
September 28, 2001

Check Against Delivery

Thank you all for joining me here today.

I spoke to many of you yesterday regarding President Bush's request to activate National Guard forces in all states to protect the security of our airports.

Today, by executive order, I have directed the Montana National Guard to implement plans supporting security operations at Montana airports.

I want you to know that I am incredibly proud of our men and women in uniform, and I ask that all Montanans respect these individuals as they step forward to provide security for our citizens.

Our nation's airports and airlines are critical for this country's commerce. We must ensure that air service throughout our nation continues. This use of National Guard personnel is absolutely a necessary step to meet those goals.

President Bush is currently working to implement an airport security proposal. However, full implementation of that proposal will take an estimated four to six months. Our National Guard is a key component of that plan, as they will provide interim security until a full implementation is completed.

I want you to know that I have full confidence in the Montana National Guard to conduct this vital security mission in support of our homeland defense. These individuals are fully and completely prepared to fulfill the duties that I have requested on behalf of President Bush.

Utilization of our National Guard is a very effective approach, as it would be incredibly difficult to find this number of highly trained individuals elsewhere.

Federal officials have requested these security measures to be implemented in Montana at the following airports: Billings, Belgrade, Butte, Great Falls, Helena, Kalispell, Missoula and West Yellowstone. These airports were specifically selected due to the regional, national and international traffic they receive on a daily basis.

Our Montana National Guard personnel will be trained by the Federal Aviation Administration, and they will be stationed at those specific airports by the end of next week.

I am fully committed to providing these and any other services that are requested by President Bush to assist with any and all national security efforts. This action is being carried out by my fellow governors in other states as well.

Thank you for joining me here today, and I will now answer any questions you might have.

-END-