Fort Hamilton’s WMD response team is still endangered
Fort Hamilton’s National Guard Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team (WMD CST) is once again facing elimination despite Congressional approval of a bill that ensures future funding.
“New York City remains a top terrorist target and we must continue to be vigilant in investing federal resources to protect New York and the nation,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “It is critical that we preserve New York’s two anti-terrorism emergency response teams, including the one devoted solely to New York City to help keep us safe.”
While every state has a WMD CST, New York is one of three states (along with California and Florida) that have two teams due to an increased risk of terrorism. One is based in Albany and the other at Fort Hamilton. The latter, which is tasked with responding to chemical, biological, nuclear and if need be, conventional threats in and around New York City, was on the chopping block as the federal government sought to trim the national budget.