2001 Airport Security Mission

The Sept. 11, 2001, attack on New York City’s World Trade Center and the Pentagon generated a number of challenging missions in its aftermath for the entire nation.

The 29th Separate Infantry Brigade’s 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery, supported the airport security team mission and resumed its military training focus in June 2002

– 2001 Annual Report pp. 9-10
SECURITY BLANKET Sgt. Margaret A.R. Lathrop, from HHC, 29th Support Battalion, is one of the Hawaii Army National Guard soldiers placed on State Active Duty to augment Honolulu Airport security, Sept 11, 2001 Master Sgt. Stephen M. Lum photo
HIKI NO! (CAN DO) - Soldiers from the Hawaii Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery, turn over supplemental security mission to Transportation Security Administration in April. Sgt. Scott J. McDonald photo
UNDER CONTROL Master Sgts. Napua Sugai and Blaine Kato, weapons directors from the 169th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, use a radar to monitor the air traffic over the Hawaiian islands during their 9-11 activation. Master Sgt. Val Gempis photo
(Pictures from the 2002 Annual Report)

Immediately following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11th, the Federal Aviation Administration shut down all commercial air traffic across the nation. Hawaii Air National Guard F-15s from the 199th Fighter Squadron were scrambled to safely escort all remaining airliners into Honolulu and Kona’s Keahole International Airports.

With all commercial air traffic grounded for several days after the attacks, the Hawaii Air National Guard was asked to transport blood samples, on Sept. 12th, from the Blood Bank of Hawaii to Washington State for testing. The blood samples were destined for victims of the attacks but the flight was also important because all of Hawaii’s blood supplies are tested at the Washington State facility. Without proper testing, no blood donations could be used in Hawaii for those in need.

In the days after Sept. 11th, the F-15 alert posture was increased and Hawaii Air National Guard KC-135 aircraft were also placed on alert status to provide continuous coverage, protecting Hawaii’s airspace. Around the clock airspace surveillance was provided by the 169th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron.

By late September 2001, approximately 150 HIANG members, from various units, were on active duty in support of Operation NOBLE EAGLE, the homeland defense mission. On Oct. 1st, the first Hawaii Air National Guard unit was mobilized for Operation NOBLE EAGLE. The 169th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron at Wheeler Army Airfield was placed on federal active duty, coming under the direct operational control of Pacific Air Forces (PACAF).

On Oct. 7th, National Guard soldiers and airmen began security duty at airports around the nation and Hawaii National Guard soldiers and airmen began federally funded security duty at Honolulu International Airport. Guard soldiers and airmen would be seen at neighbor isle airports that same week. The majority of Guard members at airports were from the Hawaii Army National Guard, but several HIANG members also participated. . .

In total, more than 900 members of the Hawaii Army and Air National Guard personnel were placed on active duty for Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and NOBLE EAGLE. Approximately 600 were from the Air Guard.

– 2001 Annual Report pp. 13-14