Understanding The Use Of Thermite On 9-11

Understanding The Use Of Thermite On 9-11

The spectacular explosions that accompanied the impact of the planes provide evidence of having been created by Thermate containing barium nitrate which produced the light orange flame and white smoke. Understanding how Thermite works sheds new light on the photographic evidence of 9-11.

The discovery of Thermite in the dust of the World Trade Center is solid scientific proof that this steel-melting and steel-vaporizing explosive was used to demolish the twin towers on 9-11. The peer-reviewed scientific paper (2009, Niels Harrit, Steven E. Jones, et al) that presents the evidence of Super-Thermite (nano-sized Thermite compounds) in the dust of the twin towers is the result of years of investigation.

The white smoke and molten iron seen in this photo are evidence of Thermite

ausing the collapse of the tower.

Understanding the importance of this discovery and the evidence of the use of Thermite in the spectacles that unfolded on 9-11 is central to understanding how the towers were demolished, a heinous crime in which some three thousand people lost their lives. This is why, I believe, Dr. Steven E. Jones and I were both attacked in August-September 2006.

During the spring and summer of 2006, Jones and I had worked closely on interpreting the evidence that pointed to the use of Thermite. I was attacked in the middle of August at my home by a team of unidentified thugs, which had been prowling around my house and who turned out to be an undercover police tactical unit connected to the Dept. of Homeland Security.

Dr. Jones, on the other hand, was trapped by a wily NPR radio host who, with a team of Zionist Jews, ganged up on Jones and pressured BYU to suspend him for comments they maliciously misinterpreted and then deemed to be anti-Semitic. It was no coincidence that two 9-11 researchers who were investigating the use of Thermite were both attacked within three weeks.

Because Jones' research was focused primarily on the use of Thermite at the World Trade Center and because I had worked closely with him, it certainly appears that a decision had been made during the summer of 2006 by the culprits of 9-11 to attack, vilify, and discredit both of us. The fact that the three people who led the attack on Jones were all Zionist Jews clearly reveals the nature of the group that was being protected.

Bollyn and Dr. Steven E. Jones discuss the evidence of
Thermite in the spring of 2006.

After visiting Jones at the campus of Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah in the early spring of 2006, I went to the University of California at Davis where I met with Dr. Thomas Cahill, who had studied the particles in the smoke that rose from the pile of rubble at Ground Zero. The Davis DRUM, which measured the quantities and sizes of the particles from the smoke, found an extraordinarily large amount of extremely small particles and nano-size particles of many metals in the bluish smoke that rose from the pile. This hazy smoke rose from the pile until the fires burned themselves out in late December 2001. Such particles, Cahill said, could only be produced in fires hotter than the boiling point of the metals.

This was scientific proof that beneath the rubble of the twin towers were extreme hot spots in which iron boiled for more than 15 weeks. That is a most unusual fire. Given the fact that these super-intense fires were raging in oxygen-starved conditions, it became clear that an aluminothermic reaction like Thermite was creating these hot spots.

The bluish smoke that rose from the pile contained large amounts of nanosized particles of metals created only in fires hotter than the boiling point of the metal. Neither the lack of air nor the continuous dousing with water affected these incredibly intense hot spots. This is evidence of thermite, which can be used underwater, cooking under the pile.

I returned to Provo with photocopies of the key chapters of USGS chemical survey of the dust. This survey contained several photos of tiny balls of iron found in the dust. These spheres were solid evidence that large amounts of molten iron accompanied the destruction of the World Trade Center.

These spheroids of iron are one of the products of a Thermite reaction. When Thermite, a compound of aluminum and iron oxide, reacts, the products are aluminum oxide, a white smoke, and molten iron. The exothermic reaction releases a great deal of heat as well. The addition of a small amount of sulfur (2 percent) increases the effectiveness of the steel melting or steel vaporizing process (eutectic) while barium nitrate creates a light orange flame.

The thermite compound with sulfur or barium nitrate is known as Thermate, an incendiary pyrotechnic composition that generates short bursts of exceedingly high temperatures. It should be noted that steel beams and columns were found to have been melted and vaporized in the remains of the three collapsed towers. The FEMA report about the collapsed twin towers noted the vaporized steel beams (Barnett) and said that the areas where this had occurred showed signs of sulfidation. None of this could be explained and the FEMA report presented evidence of steel that had been affected by Thermate without using the word.

The FEMA- sponsored Building Performance Study of 2002 contains evidence of Thermate-melted steel. This is found in the "Limited Metallurgical Examination" written by Professor Jonathan Barnett.

Barnett examined two pieces of melted steel: one from the WTC 7, the other from the TwinTowers. About the first piece, Barnett wrote: "The thinning of the steel occurred by a high-temperature corrosion due to the combination of oxidation and sulfidation."

This was done by "a eutectic mixture of iron, oxygen, and sulfur that liquefied the steel," he concluded.

Barnett found the same sulfidation in the piece of melted steel from the TwinTowers. "The severe corrosion and subsequent erosion of Samples 1 and 2 are a very unusual event," Barnett wrote. "No clear explanation for the source of the sulfur has been identified." Professor Jones points to Thermate, with 2 percent sulfur, as being the most likely culprit. The oxidation and sulfidation of the steel requires the oxygen and sulfur being "intimately in contact with the metal at high temperature," Jones said.

Super-Thermite is a form of Thermite composed of nano-size particles which makes the reaction explosive.

The evidence is now clear. Large amounts of Thermite/Thermate were placed in the towers (WTC 1, 2 & 7) and were responsible for cutting the core columns, slicing the trusses and beams, and pulverizing the concrete in the floors.

The photo shows a core column that has been cut with Thermite.

The steel walls of the core columns were 4 inches thick at the base of the towers.

Thermate with barium nitrate was used as an "incendiary pyrotechnic" during the first explosions that accompanied the planes hitting the buildings, while nano-sized Super-Thermite was exploded during the demolition to pulverize the concrete in the 220 floor pans of the twin towers. Thermite cutting charges were also used to cut the core columns to initiate the collapses. The people who engineered the demolition of the World Trade Center clearly did not like the fact that their Thermite secret was being revealed in 2006 and decided to stifle the voices of those who were discussing the evidence. The people who reacted are connected to the people who placed the Thermite in the towers.

When one understands how Thermite and Thermate work, and that these violent reactions produce intense heat, white smoke, and molten iron, the visible evidence of thermitic reactions in the photographs and videos of 9-11 becomes quite obvious. The evidence of flowing molten metal preceded by pressure pulses of white smoke are clearly indicative of thermitic reactions, and can be seen in many videos and photos of the towers.

A large flow of molten iron could be seen falling from the 81st floor of WTC 2 five minutes before it collapsed. The light yellow color of the metal indicates that is is well over 1,000 degrees C.

If this were aluminum, as some would argue, it would have melted at about 660 degrees C. and would appear silver-grey in daylight conditions.

Molten aluminum appears silverish in daylight.

(Aluminum processing, Micron Infrared Inc.)

The chips of Super-Thermite and balls of previously molten iron in the dust and rubble are solid evidence of the use of Thermite. When the use of Thermite/Thermate in the destruction of the World Trade Center is understood, the entire scam is revealed. The three towers did not fall due to airplane crashes caused by Islamic terrorists; they were demolished by Zionists working with the owners and lease-holders of the towers: Larry Silverstein and Frank Lowy.

The following series of photographs of the explosions in the South Tower were take by Todd Rengel. Rengel is standing N.E. of the towers and is catching the view of the corner of WTC 2 from which the plane and its fuel are emerging after having crashed into the South side of the tower. In the first photo a great deal of white smoke and cascading molten metal can be seen in front of the exploding fuel fire.

The falling molten metal is clearly producing white smoke.

The area through which the molten metal fell is now full of white smoke, which disperses in the following photos.

Sources and Recommended Reading:

"Active Thermitic Material Discovered in Dust from the 9/11 World Trade Center Catastrophe," The Open Chemical Physics Journal, 2009, 2, 7-31, Niels H. Harrit, Jeffrey Farrer, Steven E. Jones, Kevin R. Ryan, Frank M. Legge, Daniel Farnsworth, Gregg Roberts, James R. Gourley, and Bradley R. Larsen

http://www.bollyn.com/public/Active_Thermite_at_WTC.pdf

A Citizen Action Plan to Demand the Truth of 9-11, April 15, 2009

http://www.bollyn.com/home#article_11106

From 2006 Articles:

http://www.bollyn.com/911#article_11195

"The White Flames of Thermite," April 21, 2006

"The Censored Evidence of Thermite," April 27, 2006

"Why Did Iron Boil beneath the Rubble?" May 6, 2006

"The Suppressed Photos of Thermite Explosions," May 26, 2006

"Open Letter to NIST Investigators," May 26, 2006

"Who is behind the Attack on Professor Jones?" September 17, 2006

From 2007 Articles:

http://www.bollyn.com/911#article_11206

"9-11 Planes Flew Into Secure Computer Rooms," January 12, 2007

"Who Put Thermate in the World Trade Center?" Jan uary 18, 2007

"Is this Thermate Exploding at the NorthTower?" January 25, 2007

"Thermate Fragment Shooting from the NorthTower?" January 25, 2007

(end)

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What about the attack on the Penagon?

The Highest Treason Substantiated Pts.1-5

http://www.rense.com/general86/hight1.htm

by Dick Eastman, thanks to Jeff Rense and his webmaster James Neff

Comment

Ed Ward, MD

7-21-9

Understanding The Scam of Thermite on 911' by Dick Eastman, Dr. Steven Jones

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EdWard-MD/message/481

A simple rebuttal to the lunacy of http://www.rense.com/general86/therm.htm

This BS 'Bogus Science' has been addressed previously by me with a tremendous amount of factual evidence so I will not spend much time on this scam BS other than to post the previous referenced facts.

I will address one statement that is so rediculous as to be laughable in its ignorance and stupidity if it weren't for the fact it being used to hide/scam the real facts of the destruction which by definition are those obstructing justice and accessories to murder: http://www.rense.com/general85/911.htm

"This was scientific proof that beneath the rubble of the twin towers were extreme hot spots in which iron boiled for more than 15 weeks. ...it became clear that an aluminothermic reaction like Thermite was creating these hot spots."

Similar burn-rates around 350 m/s are measured for these "super-thermites" http://www.mrs.org/s_mrs/sec_subscribe.asp?CID=2642&DID=115853&action=detail A proven quote from my article dealing with the "The BS 'Bogus Science' of 'Explosive SuperThermite' Versus the Facts of a 'Deflagration Material'. http://www.rense.com/general77/geddno.htm

There are approximately 2,628,000 seconds in a month. http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080904102842AAuCDvw 2,628,000 seconds X 3.75 months = 9,855,000 seconds. 350 meters X 9,855,000 seconds = 3,449,250,000 meters (approximately 3.45 Billion meters or 2,14 Million miles) of thermite length would be needed to burn for 15 weeks.

Wow, that's kinda long but maybe the super duper double top secret thermate was also super thin and they were able to hide 2.14 million miles of super thin thermate, so how much would it have to weigh?

It takes about 1 gm of enhanced thermate to bring 1 gm of steel to melting point - a one to one ratio. So how much would it take to bring 5 acres of land 15 feet deep to the 1600 degrees?

"at the US NIST, the average density of dirt is 120 lbs per cubic foot." http://ts.nist.gov/ts/htdocs/230/235/weightcart/historyof105-8.pdf

There are 27 cubic feet in a yard. http://mathcentral.uregina.ca/QQ/database/QQ.09.04/carol3.html So 120 lbs/cubic ft X 27 cubic ft = 3240 lbs/cubic yard

One acre is equal to 4840 square yards and your pond is 15 feet or 5 yards deep therefore the number of cubic yards is 4840x15 or 72600 cubic yards.http://www.blurtit.com/q6688887.html We have no official numbers on the depth of the 1600 degree temperature of the 5 to 7 acres of land, but unofficial estimates seem to indicate about 15 feet, so lets use that.

3240 lbs/cubic yd X 72600/per acre = 235,224,000 lbs/acre. At a minimum 5 acres of land was brought to seering temperatures so 235,224,000 X 5 = 1,176,120,000 lbs. So based on these basic approximate calculations the 'super thin invisible super top secret super thermate' would have to have been 2.14 Million miles long and would to have weighed approximately 1.176 Billion pounds.

The 911 Traces of Tritium Lie is Obstruction of Justice by Accessories to Murder. http://www.rense.com/general85/911.htm

Other Referenced Factual Articles of Evidence

TCN&911WIJ - Thermate, C4-like explosive, a Nuclear device & 911 Was an Inside/Outside Job!

1. Three Massive WTC Craters - See us gov LIDAR proof: http://www.thepriceofliberty.org/07/03/05/ward.htm

2. Five Acres of WTC Land Brought to Seering Temperatures in a Few Hours by an 'Anaerobic, Chlorine Fueled "Fire" - Impossible by Basic Laws of Physics. See us gov Thermal Images proof: http://www.thepriceofliberty.org/07/03/05/ward.htm

3. Tritium Levels 55 Times (normal) Background Levels assessed a numerical value of 'traces' and 'of no human concern'. See us gov (DOE report) proof:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EdWard-MD/message/141

4. An Impossible "Fire" (Combustion Process). See Laws of Physics for Fire/Combustion Process and Dr. Cahill's data on 'anaerobic incineration'. http://rense.com/general77/newlaws.htm

5. 3 Billion pounds of building instantly turned into 2 Billion pounds of micronized dust. http://www.thepriceofliberty.org/06/09/25/ward.htm

6. 16 inch steel Spires that withstood 1/2 a Billion pounds of building falling on them and suddenly turn into limp noodles and partially vaporize. http://www.thepriceofliberty.org/07/03/05/ward.htm

7. Hiroshima effect cancers in responders and locals. http://www.thepriceofliberty.org/07/03/05/ward.htm

All of the above are facts are proven with referenced links of reputable data sources - many are from the government itself and more... Ed Ward, MD - 911 Related Articles - TCN&911WIJ - Chronological:

Bombs in the WTC Buildings Proves Nothing to Racist-Fascist Bigots http://www.thepriceofliberty.org/06/08/21/ward.htm

Micro-Nukes at the WTC http://www.thepriceofliberty.org/06/09/25/ward.htm

Update: Micro-Nukes at the WTC http://www.thepriceofliberty.org/07/03/05/ward.htm

Update: Proves Micro Nukes in the WTC ttp://www.thepriceofliberty.org/07/04/16/ward.htm

Verifying the Source of WTC Tritium Levels that Are 55 Times "Background Levels" http://www.rense.com/general76/wtc.htm

Prof. Jones Denies, Ignores, Misrepresents Proven Tritium Levels 55 Times Background Levels http://www.rense.com/general77/levels.htm

Nuclear detonation on an alien world

Nuclear detonation on an alien world.

We are not the only planet or age to experience nuclear power or destruction. This is a common theme across our galaxy and beyond, where epic battles and conquests continue to this day. Whole worlds and populations have been annihilated throughout eons of which we know little or nothing about.

Massive greenhouse gases may be released as destruction

Leading world researchers convene in Brazil July 21-25 amid growing concern that evaporation and ongoing destruction of world wetlands, which hold a volume of carbon similar to that in the atmosphere today, could cause them to exhale billows of greenhouse gases.

Meeting in the city of Cuiaba on the edge of South America's vast Pantanal, the largest wetland of its kind, some 700 experts from 28 nations at the 8th INTECOL International Wetlands Conference will prescribe measures urgently needed to better understand and manage these vibrant ecosystems, ranked among the planet's most threatened, and slow their decline and loss.

Warming world temperatures are speeding both rates of decomposition of trapped organic material and evaporation, while threatening critical sources of wetlands recharge by melting glaciers and reducing precipitation.

Covering just 6% of Earth's land surface, wetlands (including marshes, peat bogs, swamps, river deltas, mangroves, tundra, lagoons and river floodplains) store 10-20% of its terrestrial carbon. Wetlands slow the decay of organic material trapped and locked away over the ages in low oxygen conditions.

These waterlogged (either seasonally or year-round) areas contain an estimated 771 gigatonnes (771 billion tonnes) of greenhouse gases both CO₂ and more potent methane an amount in CO₂ equivalent comparable to the carbon content of today's atmosphere.........

recall - the destruction of the World Trade Center

A 1st Battalion, 150th Aviation UH-60 Blackhawk, from Army Aviation Support Facility #1, based in West Trenton, surveys the destruction of the World Trade Center on the afternoon of Sept. 11, 2001. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA.

The initial response: The New Jersey National Guard answers the call The New Jersey National Guard instantaneously opened its Emergency Operations Center at Fort Dix 24/7 once the emergency began. As the situation developed and New Jersey’s emergency response community began to react, the National Guard Emergency Operations Center directed all of the Major Commands to prepare to provide military support. Communication was quickly established with the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and the National Guard liaison cell was established at the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Additionally a liaison cell was dispatched to support the New Jersey OEM Forward and Unified Command Posts at Liberty State Park and Caven Point. The Headquarters and subordinate operations centers maintained 24- hour command and control throughout the initial response period and were stood down as the situation and mission requirements allowed.

Nearly every Army and Air unit, was involved in security, recovery, and logistical support missions or military operations connected with the September 11 Attack on America. Additionally, New Jersey Naval Militia personnel were called to duty to augment the Emergency Operations Center and assist the State Police with port and maritime security tasks. The following covers the major missions and operations conducted by the New Jersey National Guard in response to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

177th Fighter Wing conducts air sovereignty operations

The 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard stationed at the Atlantic City began conducting Combat Air Patrol (CAP) operations immediately following the World Trade Center attacks on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001. In a matter of minutes more than 180 Airmen were mobilized to support North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) air sovereignty missions in the eastern U.S. Among the nation’s initial response forces, the 177th’s past experience in maintaining air defense alert and flying air sovereignty missions enabled the

Fighter Wing to quickly reconfigure its aircraft and begin flying CAP missions shortly after the attacks. In the ensuing weeks nearly all of the Airmen of the 177th provided direct support to the response and recovery effort. More than two hundred Airmen were called to active federal service by the Presidential Call-up. NORAD discontinued routine CAP missions over the homeland on April 16, 2002, but the ASA mission continues.

108th Air Refueling Wing provides critical support

	Although a significant portion of the organization was deployed to Incirlik Air Base in Turkey, the 108th Air Refueling Wing (108th ARW) immediately began preparing its people and aircraft to supporthomeland defense by providing air refueling for the Combat Air Patrol (CAP) missions operating in the Northeast Corridor. Full-time and part-time Air Guard volunteers were supporting these missions.
In the days following the attacks, more than two dozen Airmen volunteered for duty under Noble Eagle and reported to “Ground Zero” in New York City. Their mission was to provide, operate and maintain mobile lighting equipment, “light-alls,” at the disaster site. After the light-alls were installed, the 108th Airmen joined the search for survivors. Additionally, the 108th deployed approximately 50 Security Forces Squadron Airmen to Washington, D.C., to assist in providing security for key facilities and government buildings as part of the Presidential Call-up. By early October, more than 100 108th Security Forces Squadron Airmen were mobilized in support of Operation’s Noble Eagle
and Enduring Freedom to provide security for government installations throughout the Washington, D.C. area, as well as performing other security-related missions. In additional, 177th Security Forces Squadron Airmen were federally activated and deployed to Air Force bases nationwide to assist with security. Many of these Airmen were deployed for up to a year. During this period the 108th continued its traditional strategic role to fly routine refueling missions in support of daily Air Force missions.

Task Force Respect provides life support

The 57th Troop Command, headquartered in Atlantic City, established “Task Force Respect” at the Fresh Kills Landfill, Staten Island, N.Y. The Task Force provided base camp and life support for the FBI and other law enforcement personnel working at the site. The Guardsmen supported the site with mobile kitchen trailers, cooks, water and medical teams, mechanics, refrigerated trailers, tents, generators, lights and other equipment as needed.

Task Force Respect Soldiers also provided a 24-hour guard force at the Homeport housing area on Staten Island where law enforcement and recovery workers were billeted during the emergency. Additionally, National Guard and N.J. Naval Militia chaplains at the camp provided 24-hour religious/ spiritual support and pastoral counseling.

National Guard chaplains statewide selflessly provided around-the-clock counseling to families, deployed personnel and rescue workers in all locations from Ground Zero to Atlantic City since the start of the emergency. Task Force Respect concluded its mission and closed the Fresh Kills base camp operation on Oct. 25, 2001.

NJARNG MP’s secure Fort Dix

The 42nd Military Police (MP) Company supplemented the Department of Defense Police and active duty MPs to enhance 24-hour security at Fort Dix.

The Soldiers conducted patrols and operated checkpoints at every gate to the post in addition to their main responsibility to provide 24-hour security for the National Guard Emergency Operations Center. The Company performed its Fort Dix security augmentation role through Oct. 21, 2001.

Army National Guard Aviation

Army Guard helicopters based at Trenton-Mercer Airport provided daily support, beginning the morning of Sept. 11, to the FBI and other federal agencies conducting postattack operations. Missions included support to both crisis management and consequence management activities and included transportation of essential personnel and materials as well as site survey and surveillance over flights.

More than 110 missions were flown by 1st Battalion, 150th Aviation Blackhawk and Kiowa helicopters in direct support to the Sept. 11 attacks.

DISCOM manages donated materials

The 42nd Division Support Command (DISCOM), headquartered at Somerset organized, established and operated the donation warehouse at the Military Ocean Terminal, Bayonne. Soldiers provided daily warehouse support to the Salvation Army,

the principal agency responsible for managing donations during major emergencies. In excess of 4,000 tons of donated material were received, sorted, and warehoused in connection with the World Trade Center response and recovery operations. DISCOM assisted with the distribution of materials and the consolidation of remaining items into a central facility when the Bayonne Warehouse closed in mid November 2001.

New Jersey Soldiers secure airports

On Oct. 2, 2001, at the request of the President of the United States, Acting Governor Donald DiFrancesco ordered more than 150 N.J. Army National Guard Soldiers to provide additional security at three of New Jersey’s airports.

After strict screening and specialized training by the FAA, these soldiers deployed to Newark, Mercer County, and Atlantic City airports where they provided a “highly visible, armed force to enhance existing security and reassure the American people’s faith in flying.”

Armed NJARNG Soldiers were stationed at every security checkpoint at each airport. Public reaction to the presence of National Guard Soldiers was very positive and helped to instill confidence back in the American people. This mission was completed once the Transportation Security Agency and new federal security measures were in place in the nation’s airports.

In response to the President’s call for increased National Guard presence at airports through the Holiday Season, Governor DiFrancesco authorized the mobilization of a surge force of an additional 40 Soldiers for deployment to the three airports. The additional Guardsmen served from Nov.15, 2001, through Jan. 7, 2002, and augmented security during the holiday travel period. Soldiers, drawn from the battalions of the 50th Brigade, assisted in conducting luggage checks, perimeter patrols, access control and provided general terminal security.

NJNG augments security at bridges and tunnels

On Oct. 27, 2001, the Governor ordered the Army National Guard to deploy troops in support of the New Jersey State Police and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to enhance security at key bridges and tunnels in the New York metropolitan area. This security force was placed as part of a bi-state effort (New York and New Jersey) to enhance existing security at critical

“high value” infrastructure and was not based on specific threats to these facilities. This unprecedented use of armed Soldiers in a “State Active Duty” role became a model for other states in the deployment of Guard Soldiers in support of civil authorities.

At it’s peak, more than 200 Soldiers augmented police security at key Port Authority facilities in New Jersey including the George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, Holland Tunnel, and PATH facilities.

Initially Soldiers came from combat units of the 50th Brigade. The first unit called to this duty was the 2nd Battalion, 102nd Armor, headquartered in Port Murray. Units deployed for bridge and tunnel security operations on approximately three week rotations. While deployed, the Soldiers were housed at armories in Teaneck, Jersey City and Woodbridge. Thier duties included security of key buildings and transportation hubs, cargo inspections at river crossings, and traffic control at security checkpoints. Once each of the Battalions of the 50th Brigade completed a three week rotation, the operational responsibility rotated among the DISCOM battalions until the mission was completed by the 250th Signal Battalion late in March 2002.

Nuclear power plant security

Governor DiFrancisco ordered more than 75 Soldiers from the 50th Brigade to State Active Duty on Nov. 8, 2001, to augment existing security at New Jersey’s two nuclear power stations. Although no specific threats were identified against the Salem and Oyster Creek facilities, it was considered a prudent precaution to bolster security at these key facilities following the commencement of U.S. military action in Afghanistan. This mission and manning levels were reevaluated and tailored to meet the fluid situation on a regular basis and remains active today with a minimal force.

From Strategic Reserve to a full spectrum Operational Force

Virtually all New Jersey Air National Guard personnel, in one status or another, answered the call to support Operation Noble Eagle (ONE) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

Almost 95 percent of the more than 2,400 New Jersey Citizen-Airmen were directly involved with providing either OEF or ONE Combat Air Patrol mission support. NJANG Airman deployed within the United States and overseas including Southwest Asia and Afghanistan. Additionally, the NJANG continues to participate in Operation Deny Flight in the Iraqi No Fly Zone. Not surprisingly, the existing Command and Control infrastructure quickly became overburdened exposing systemic difficulties with the management and support of several widely diverse civil support and security enhancement operations. It became ever clearer that the New Jersey National Guard had to make significant improvements to existing processes and procedures to remain a relevant partner within the state’s response community.

Additionally, the new homeland security environment presented increasingly complex challenges that required new operational capabilities and skill sets. Strategic analysis and decision making were focused on building a state of the art Joint Operations Center equipped to handle a newly emerging role in homeland defense and security, revamping the Military Support to Civil Authorities Operations Plan and acquiring the correct array of force structure to address the challenges of contemporary operational environments both at home and abroad.

Governor James McGreevey dedicated NJDMVA’s Homeland Security Center of Excellence in January 2003. The facility, to be used by the Department as a command and control center for emergency operations, was funded entirely from existing appropriations and constructed through a team effort of in-house maintenance force, 108th Air Refueling Wing and 177th Fighter Wing Civil Engineering Squadrons and civilian contractors.

The HSCOE provides NJDMAVA with a state-of-the-art command center that will enhance its operational and communications capability to insure the protection of New Jersey’s citizens against terrorism and natural disasters

. By October, the New Jersey National Guard published a comprehensive Military Support to Civil Authorities (MSCA) Operation Plan (OPLAN) incorporating Army and Air capabilities as well as applicable departmental services and support including State Active Duty pay, medical care and logistical support. The MSCA OPLAN introduced the concept of geographic task organization supplemented as required with special capabilities. This structure established the ‘Guard Force’ concept and has enhanced the improved habitual relationships between National Guard commanders and the supported civil authorities.

In November 2003, the New Jersey Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Advisory Committee, facilitated and led by the NJNG, published the first WMD Appendix to the Terrorism Annex of the state’s Emergency Operations Plan. The committee was comprised of members of all major departments of New Jersey state government and representatives from various law enforcement, response and support sectors involved in emergence preparedness and response.

WMD Civil Support Teams deploy rapidly to assist the local incident commander in determining the nature and extent of an attack or incident; provide expert technical and medical advice on WMD response operations; and help identify and support the arrival of follow-on state and federal military response assets. Each team consists of 22 full-time Army and Air National Guard members who are federally resourced, trained and exercised.

Early in March 2004, as a result of an aggressive campaign led by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs with strong support from the Governor and the state’s legislative delegation, Congress authorized and funded the stationing of the 21st Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team (21st CST) in New Jersey significantly enhancing the states’s domestic emergency preparedness and response capabilities.

Following 15 months of intense individual and collective training, the 21st CST passed its final evaluation by the First United States Army inspectors and was certified mission capable on June 30, 2005.

on July 12, 2002, Maj. Yarko Sos, 177th Fighter Wing, flew the 1,000 Combat Air Patrol in the United States. Photo by Senior Airman Andrew Merlock Jr., 177FW/SVSC.

the world destruction

The destruction of the World Trade Center left a debris field covering the

The Destruction of the World Trade Center

On 9/11/2001, the World Trade Center, a complex of 7 steel-framed buildings in Lower Manhattan, was totally destroyed. All three skyscrapers in the complex were leveled, including WTC 7, a 47-story building on the block north of the original 6-building complex.

Design Claims

Worthington, Skilling, Helle & Jackson White Paper

A white paper on the structure of the Twin Towers carried out by the firm of Worthington, Skilling, Helle & Jackson contained eleven numbered points, including:

3. The buildings have been investigated and found to be safe in an assumed collision with a large jet airliner (Boeing 707-DC 8) traveling at 600 miles per hour. Analysis indicates that such collision would result in only local damage which could not cause collapse or substantial damage to the building and would not endanger the lives and safety of occupants not in the immediate area of impact.

--City in the Sky, p 131

Glanz and Lipton summarize the findings of the white paper:

The Vierendeel trusses would be so effective, according to the engineers' calculations, that all the columns on one side of a tower could be cut, as well as the two corners and several columns on the adjacent sides, and the tower would still be strong enough to withstand a 100-mile-per-hour wind.
--City in the Sky, p 133

The Richard Roth Telegram

A telegraph from the architectural firm Richard Roth, partner at Emery Roth & Sons, was distributed to reporters on February 14, 1965. The telegraph was in response to claims by real estate baron and Lawrence Wien that the design of the Twin Towers was unsound.

THE STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS CARRIED OUT BY THE FIRM OF WORTHINGTON, SKILLING, HELLE & JACKSON IS THE MOST COMPLETE AND DETAILED OF ANY EVER MADE FOR ANY BUILDING STRUCTURE. THE PRELIMINARY CALCULATIONS ALONE COVER 1,200 PAGES AND INVOLVE OVER 100 DETAILED DRAWINGS.
...
4. BECAUSE OF ITS CONFIGURATION, WHICH IS ESSENTIALLY THAT OF A STEEL BEAM 209' DEEP, THE TOWERS ARE ACTUALLY FAR LESS DARING STRUCTURALLY THAN A CONVENTIONAL BUILDING SUCH AS THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING WHERE THE SPINE OR BRACED AREA OF THE BUILDING IS FAR SMALLER IN RELATION TO ITS HEIGHT.
...
5. THE BUILDING AS DESIGNED IS SIXTEEN TIMES STIFFER THAN A CONVENTIONAL STRUCTURE. THE DESIGN CONCEPT IS SO SOUND THAT THE STRUCTURAL ENGINEER HAS BEEN ABLE TO BE ULTRA-CONSERVATIVE IN HIS DESIGN WITHOUT ADVERSELY AFFECTING THE ECONOMICS OF THE STRUCTURE. ...
--City in the Sky, p 134-6

Engineering News Record

The Engineering News Record (ENR) contained a number of articles on the design and construction of the World Trade Center. The article "How Columns Will Be Designed for 110-Story Buildings" quotes lead architect John Skilling:

"live loads on these [perimeter] columns can be increased more than 2000% before failure occurs."
--John Skilling, in Engineering News Record, 4/2/1964

Construction

9-11 Research pages on the history, architecture, and construction of the Twin Towers:

• The Towers' History: Origins of the World Trade Center and the World's Tallest Buildings
• Towers' Design Parameters: Twin Towers' Designers Anticipated Jet Impacts Like September 11th's
• The Towers' Architecture: The Innovative Design of the World Trade Center Towers
• Twin Towers Construction: Photographic Evidence of the Twin Towers' Construction

Destruction

On the day of 9/11, 2001, the three skyscrapers of the World Trade Center complex were totally destroyed, Structural collapse due to a combination of structural damage and fire is the reason given by official reports for the leveling of 110-story WTC 1 (the North Tower), 110-story WTC 2 (the South Tower), and 47-story WTC 7, with strong emphasis on the role of fires. That would make these the only three cases in history tall steel-framed structures collapsing mostly or entirely due to fires.

Visual Records

The attack on New York City was captured by numerous photographers and videographers, in many cases at great personal risk. Of the five major events -- the two jetliner impacts and total destruction of the three skyscrapers -- all but the first were recorded by numerous photographs and videos.

• WTC Attack Photos: Surviving Photographic Evidence of the World Trade Center Attack
  9-11 Research
• World Trade Center
  Aman Zafar
• World Trade Center Attack Memories and Photographs
  Richard Lethin
• Seeing the Horror, Part II
  Peter Turnley, Bill Biggart, David Turnley, Chip East, Aris Economopoulos

Oral Histories

An extensive body of evidence consisting of statements by 503 firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians who witnessed the events in New York City on 9/11/2001 was collected between October of 2001 and January of 2002 on the order of Thomas Von Essen, the city fire commissioner until he was succeeded by Nicholas Scoppetta in January of 2002. The New York Times sought the release of this evidence, filing a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit against the city, which was refusing to release the transcripts. On August 12, 2005, the Times announced that it would publish the transcripts of the "oral histories" and promptly did so.

• Full set of transcripts in PDF format
• Partial set of transcripts in text format

Remains

The destruction of the World Trade Center left a debris field covering the 16-acre site of the Center and extending several hundred feet beyond in all directions.

Visual Records

• High-resolution photograph of Ground Zero from 3,300 feet above
  NOAA
• The Anonymous Photographer collection
• Photographs by Lane Johnson of WTC remains at JFK hangar
• Ground Zero: Photographic Evidence of the Twin Towers' Remains
  9-11 Research

Scientific Reports

Data on the nature and conditions of the remains of the World Trade Center were gathered by a variety of agencies, including the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and National Oceanic and Aeronautics Administration (NOAA). Independent researchers supplied additional analysis using this data and physical evidence in the form of World Trade Center dust collected by individuals on 9/11/2001.

Architecture of destruction

Architecture historian/theorist David Gissen says the architectural legacy of the past decade is one of destruction and “vapid starchitecture.” Beginning with the destruction of the World Trade Center and followed by tragedy in New Orleans, Gaza, Lebanon, Iraq, and now Haiti, the world demands more of architecture than the fluffy signature stuff the aughties have produced.

“Lurking somewhere in our discipline are those that can make us think about these spaces and events without resorting to simple technological and representational schemes,” Gissen hopes.