National Guard deploys at Port Everglades, Port of Miami.(South Florida Sun-Sentinel)

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. _ National Guard troops took to the ports today, bolstering security against possible terrorist attacks and reassuring tourists in South Florida that it's once again safe to take a vacation.

They were up at 3 a.m. and on the job, loaded M16's on their shoulders, when the first cruise ship docked at Port Everglades at 5 a.m. on Friday.

"We've had two days of training, but we're still learning," said Col. Steve Villacorta who commands the 141 Florida National Guard troops that are providing enhanced security at the port.

"This is the first time the guard has been assigned to a seaport. There is a lot of open area here and new terminology to get used to."

The troops, most of them from the 3rd Battery, 116th field artillery unit in Plant City, were sent in by Gov. Jeb Bush, who …