Maryland National Guard to support inauguration
ANNAPOLIS, Md., (1/15/09) – Citizen Soldiers and Airmen from the Maryland National Guard will be among the 7,000 National Guard members supporting the upcoming presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C.
The majority of the 1,200 mobilized Maryland Guard members, including the 32nd Civil Support Team, are scheduled to spend early next week in Washington D.C.
They will be providing security services during the inauguration including crowd control, manning traffic control points and assisting with the movement of visitors in and around monuments on the National Mall.
“The majority of our Citizen Soldiers and Airmen have been mobilized either here or overseas in support of the Global War on Terror,†said Gov. Martin O’Malley. “I’m pleased that during this historic event, the Maryland National Guard will once again be playing a critically important role, this time in our nation’s capital, ensuring the safety of all those attending the upcoming inauguration.â€
Seven states, including Maryland, will provide National Guard contingents under the temporary operational control of the District of Columbia National Guard
In addition to those soldiers and airmen who will be on duty in Washington D.C., the Maryland National Guard will pre-position additional Guard members and equipment in Maryland. Those Soldiers and Airmen will remain under the operational control of the Maryland National Guard.
“We have approached the inauguration in the same fashion as any other domestic operation,†said Brig. Gen. James A. Adkins, adjutant general for the Maryland National Guard. “Supporting civil authorities is a traditional mission for the Maryland National Guard and one we are pleased to support. We look forward to participating in this monumental event in our nation’s long and rich history.â€
Illustrative of the Maryland National Guard’s support to civil authorities, nearly 200 Maryland Guard members will augment the Baltimore City Police Department’s security efforts during President-elect Obama's visit to Baltimore this Saturday.
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