National Guard troops equipped with Humvees will begin patrolling the outskirts of Los Angeles International Airport this week in a move ordered by the state’s governor to increase security at the nation’s third-busiest airport. Calling LAX a “California landmark,” Gov. Gray Davis said Tuesday the airport was both a vital component of the state’s economy and a likely target for terrorists, particularly with the war between the United States and Iraq reaching a pinnacle. “LAX is not just a California landmark; it’s an international gateway essential to the commerce that sustains us,” Davis said in a conference call. “California will continue to use every resource at our disposal to keep our citizens safe and secure, including the National Guard. Keeping Californians safe is job No. 1.” A platoon of Guard troops will begin their stint at LAX on Thursday. Unlike the Guard’s deployment to airports after Sept. 11, 2001, their primary duty will be roving patrols around the perimeter of the airport in Humvees, and manning security perimeter checkpoints; the Guard will not be inside the LAX buildings, however, unlike following Sept. 11 when they maintained a high-profile presence inside the terminals. Full Story
About OODA Analyst
OODA is comprised of a unique team of international experts capable of providing advanced intelligence and analysis, strategy and planning support, risk and threat management, training, decision support, crisis response, and security services to global corporations and governments.