U.S. DOTÆs MINETA APPOINTS RAPID RESPONSE TEAMS ON AIR SECURITY
U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta said Sunday that two Rapid Response Teams will be created to deliver recommendations for improved airport security within America’s aviation system.
The teams are in response to last week's hijackings and terrorist attacks against New York's World Trade Center, the Pentagon and western Pennsylvania.
Both teams will address security issues related to the nation’s air travel system, focusing on increasing airport and aircraft security, respectfully. The teams are to deliver their recommendations to Mineta by Oct. 1.
Members of the team on airport security include: Herb Kelleher, chairman, Southwest Airlines; Raymond Kelly, former U.S. Customs Service commissioner and veteran law enforcement officer; and Charles M. “Chip” Barclay, president of the American Association of Airport Executives.
Members of the team on aircraft security include: Robert W. Baker, vice chairman of American Airlines; Robert A. Davis, former vice president of engineering and technology for the Boeing Co.; and Capt. Duane Woerth, president of the Air Line Pilots Association.
Mineta said he hopes to establish and maintain levels of security in airports and airplanes that are sustainable, and will increase Americans’ confidence in aviation.
“We can and will build on existing analysis existing analysis as the Department of Transportation prepares to act on specific recommendations. I’m confident that each of these distinguished Rapid Response Team members will help us do just that,” he said.