Thursday, 4:30 PM
National Guard to arrive tonight at Logan
By Brian Macquarrie and Mac Daniel, Globe Staff
The Massachusetts National Guard is expected to arrive at Logan International Airport tonight to bolster security after British intelligence uncovered a potential terrorist plot.
Governor Mitt Romney was expected to address about 50 troops tonight before they begin their duties.
Summoned from homes and jobs across the state, Massachusetts National Guard soldiers and airmen began reporting to Logan for training this afternoon to help protect New England's critical travel hub.
From armed patrols to gate security, the Guard will be assigned to the airport indefinitely to supplement security by the State Police, Massport, and Transportation Security Administration, said Master Sergeant Pallas deBettencourt, a National Guard spokeswoman.
Citing security concerns, the Guard did not discuss the number of troops to be ordered to the airport.
"Soldiers are coming from a variety of units across the state," deBettencourt said. "We will try to draw as varied a pool as we can from units across the state," including military police.
The troops were called up to Logan today by Romney, who cited the airport's role in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks as the reason for assignment.
Romney said troops would likely be stationed at airline boarding gates to screen passengers after all forms of liquid were banned from carry-on luggage.
"We've done this mission before, and we're ready to do it again," said Brigadier General Oliver J. Mason, the Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard, in a press release.
The Massachusetts National Guard helped secure Logan and other airports after Sept. 11 and stayed on until April 2002.
