An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | April 16, 2013

Marathon terror: Massachusetts National Guard supports Boston police

By Courtesy Story

HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. - The Massachusetts National Guard continued Tuesday to bolster local and state authorities following the Monday explosions at the Boston Marathon.

Three people, including an eight-year-old boy, were killed and more than 140 wounded.

"We offer our deepest sympathy and prayers to the victims of the explosions in Boston today. We are here to assist the Boston Police and provide additional support as it is requested," Brig. Gen. Paul G. Smith, the assistant adjutant general-Army for the Massachusetts National Guard, said Monday.

Early Tuesday, the Massachusetts National Guard reported more than 1,000 personnel on duty, with that number expected to decrease as the day progressed. Rhode Island and New York also provided troop support.

All the Guard members are accounted for and none were reported injured following the twin blasts.

In a brief nationwide speech Monday night, President Barack Obama acknowledged the Guard's contribution:

"Boston police, firefighters and first responders, as well as The National Guard, responded heroically and continue to do so as we speak. It's a reminder that so many Americans serve and sacrifice on our behalf every single day without regard to their own safety, in dangerous and difficult circumstances, and we salute all those who assisted in responding so quickly and professionally to this tragedy," the president said.

The 211th Military Police Battalion has been called upon to provide security. The Guard is also staging transportation assets such as buses (5-10) and four helicopters.

Additionally, the Massachusetts National Guard's 387th Ordnance Company (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) has been activated; and the 267th Combat Communications Squadron's Joint Incident Site Communications Capability (JISCC) is headed to Boston to assist with interagency communication. (A JISCC is a wireless broadband that provides computers, web access and telephones to deployed personnel. Its own satellite makes it a stand-alone system. It enables state and local emergency responders with communications capabilities.)

 

 

 

Related Articles
A Security Forces Airman responds to a simulated attack during a field training exercise at Ft. William Henry Harrison, Helena, Mont., June 2, 2025. Security Forces Squadrons from Arizona and Pennsylvania traveled to the Fort for a week of field training. The field instruction consisted of patrol movements, base security, key leader engagements, chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives detection response, and simulated attacks from opposition forces.
Arizona and Pennsylvania Air Guards Train Together in Montana
By Tech. Sgt. Jayson Burns, | June 6, 2025
FORT WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON, Mont. – More than 100 security forces Airmen from Arizona and Pennsylvania conducted five days of joint annual training in Helena, Montana, June 2-6.The defenders from the 161st Air Refueling...

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Maritza Garcia, 154th Medical Group Detachment 1 medic and Tactical Combat Casualty Care instructor, evaluates Armed Forces of the Philippines students during a medical field training exercise May 29, 2025, at Camp O’Donnell, Philippines. The training emphasized rapid response and effective medical treatment in high-pressure environments.
Hawaii Guard, Philippine Armed Forces Unite for Medical Exchange
By Tech. Sgt. John Linzmeier, | June 6, 2025
CAMP O’DONNELL, Philippines - Hawaii National Guard medical professionals completed their fourth annual Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) exchange with partners from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Camp...

Service members from the Maine National Guard, Vermont National Guard, Armed Forces of Montenegro, and the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia pose for a group photo before beginning a cyber training exercise during Immediate Response 25 at Golubovci Air Base, Montenegro, June 2, 2025. The cyber exercise was developed and facilitated as a combined effort between the Maine National Guard and the Armed Forces of Montenegro through the State Partnership Program (SPP). The Vermont National Guard and the Army of the Republic of Macedonia, SPP partners since 1993, also participated in the exercise.
Guardsmen, Montenegro, North Macedonia Strengthen Cyber Capabilities at Immediate Response 25
By 2nd Lt. Paige Bodine and David Kennedy, | June 6, 2025
PODGORICA, Montenegro — Nearly three years after a sweeping cyberattack disrupted Montenegro’s government networks, the country has taken a powerful step forward in strengthening its digital defenses by hosting its largest...