Security continues to tighten at John Wayne

Paul Clinton

JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT -- The Federal Aviation Administration has

installed a sophisticated detection device here to guard against bombs

and other explosives.

The machine, which was delivered to the airport Thursday evening, was

not being used Friday. It sat in the Southwest Airlines ticketing area,

on the second floor of the Thomas F. Riley Terminal, surrounded by black

and red pylons.

The FAA “purchased it for the carriers here,” airport spokeswoman Ann

McCarley said. “All of the carriers are able to use the equipment.”

The machine, known as a CTX 5500, will be used to screen carry-on

baggage.

Members of Globe Security, the firm hired by the airlines to monitor

the screening area at John Wayne, will be trained on how to use the new

machine, McCarley said.

Airport officials are also waiting for word from Gov. Gray Davis about

an expected increase in the number of National Guardsmen to be stationed

at the airport.

On Friday, President Bush announced a 25% increase in the number of

guards governors could deploy at airports for the holiday season. The

armed military personnel are expected to take on a range of duties,

including monitoring passengers at baggage-screening locations, guarding

boarding gates and providing security outside the terminal.

Now, the guards at the airport aren’t noticeable outside of the X-ray

screening areas. Bush’s increase could add about 2,000 guards at the

nation’s airports, adding to the 7,000 now in use.

More guards are expected at John Wayne next week.

“We’re just waiting for the official word about how additional

National Guards would be deployed here,” McCarley said.

Passengers heading through the airport Friday said the latest

tightening in airport security since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks gave

them peace of mind.

“At this point in time, anything would help as a deterrent,” said

Fumaiky Ito, who was traveling to Tokyo on a United Airlines flight.

“I’ve been going in and out of airports, and I see [the guardsmen]

standing around and it seems to have had some kind of psychological

effect.”

* Paul Clinton covers the environment and John Wayne Airport. He may

be reached at (949) 764-4330 or by e-mail ato7

paul.clinton@latimes.comf7 .