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National Guard Pulling Out Of N.C. Airports

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FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The National Guard is officially pulling out of North Carolina's airports.

Since October of last year, 140 members of the Army and Air National Guard have provided security in the state's commercial airports, but their tour of duty is coming to an end.

The phase-out started Wednesday in Fayetteville, New Bern andKinston. A special ceremony marked the end of the security detail at each airport.

The transition at Raleigh-Durham International Airportbegins Thursday.

RDU spokeswoman Mindy Hamlin said airport police have alwaysresponded to any incident at the security checkpoints even with theguardsmen on hand.

The airport police will be replaced later this year by federallaw enforcement officers.

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