TSA Weekly, Feb. 23-27, 2009
OGS team makes TSA's presence felt worldwide. Photo by Les Burke
A Message from Gale
Beyond Our Borders: Where in the World is TSA?
Everywhere it seems – from London, Paris and Frankfurt to Tokyo, Mumbai, Beijing and Bali, our people are in many of the major transportations centers of the world and on aircraft circling the globe every hour of every day.
We are truly global. But that shouldn't be a surprise. We are in all these places because that's what it takes for TSA to protect transportation systems within and beyond our nation's borders. In today's world of international travel and commerce, transportation security is a global business.
TSA's mission through the Office of Global Strategies (OGS) is to increase security by collaborating proactively with foreign governments and industry partners regarding overseas transportation operations that affect the U.S. By building and maintaining partnerships with bilateral, regional and multilateral groups, we work to ensure that transportation security's best practices are shared and advanced globally. Through meetings, conferences, training and regular outreach, we reinforce our alliances and enable TSA to promote stronger transportation security standards with our international partners.
We couldn't accomplish our global strategies without the work of the overseas cadre of transportation security representatives (TSARS), who represent TSA at U.S. embassies in 20 countries; the transportation security specialists, or inspectors, who annually perform inspections of approximately 250 foreign airports and 900 foreign air carriers with last points of departure to the U.S. (many of these in high risk areas); and the international industry representatives, who serve as the primary contact between TSA and foreign passenger and all-cargo air carriers on all security matters. Together, they form the backbone of our global security outreach effort.
But that's not all. TSA – with its Office of Global Strategies and Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS) – also provides a number of other critical functions. Here's the highlight of a few areas where TSA is making extraordinary contributions around the world:
Crisis Response: TSA deploys security experts, inspectors and FAMs in situations such as the terrorist incidents in Mumbai; the political unrest in Bangkok which resulted in shutting down the airport; evacuating American citizens from Lebanon via Cyprus and Turkey; as well as providing security for recurring international events such as the Olympics and World Cup.
Nation Building Efforts: Currently, a member of the OGS staff is serving as senior civil aviation security advisor in Kabul to help Afghanistan write aviation security legislation and develop a National Civil Aviation Security Program. The FAMS is frequently asked by foreign nations to provide guidance on establishing air marshal programs for their countries.
Security threats are ever-evolving, making it a challenge to stay ahead of the curve in a global environment. Through our risk mitigation strategies, harmonization efforts, active leadership regionally and internationally, and strong partnerships with global stakeholders, TSA continues to make an impact on transportation security worldwide.
More News
Evolution Exclamations!
By Michael Hendrix, Evolution Support Team
It's noticeable! There is a continuing shift in the culture of TSA. As ENGAGE! and COACH! classes swept across the nation in the fall of 2008, something undeniable became evident throughout the workforce – excitement! Witness exclamation points, which began to show up in e-mails circulating within the Evolution facilitator community. At times, two, three, four or even more exclamation points in a row were spotted!!!
It seems Security Evolution had awakened a sleeping giant. A strong new desire emerged among facilitators, eager to share their excitement with one another about their class experiences. One facilitator would generate an e-mail about a successful ENGAGE! class. Other facilitators replied with comments about their own experiences. These e-mails became a powerful source of encouragement and inspiration throughout the network – punctuated with exclamation points!
The high energy of the e-mails was reminiscent of the excitement prevalent during the groups 1, 2, and 3 facilitator training held in Virginia weeks earlier. It was apparent that these Evolution leaders took that energy back to the field and shared it with their classes and their network of facilitators. The following is one of those early e-mails – exclamation points and all!
On Oct. 21, 2008, Facilitator Debra Shacklett of Tulsa wrote: "We really have enjoyed teaching these classes as a team ... thank you everyone for the encouraging stories and the opportunity to be on board with this program from the beginning ..."
Facilitator Dale Paguirigan added to the e-mail, "We here at SAN (San Diego) are well into our 7th ENGAGE! class and 2nd COACH! class ... everyone [who is] now 'Engaged' [is] burning with the passion to mitigate the threat!"
Facilitator La Vonne Pironti added her input, "Here at LIH (Lihue, Hawaii), we taught our first COACH! class this weekend and it was rocking!! ... TSOs are excited about smiling [at] someone and seeing it returned and knowing why ... KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK AND ALL OF THE SPIRIT!!!"
Facilitator Victoria Bunker was next on the string, "We have taught four total ENGAGE! classes here in Southern Oregon and the results and feedback have been great! ... ENGAGE! has been so well received by the crew. I'm so excited to be a part of this great culture change!!"
Facilitator Silvia Sotto continued the enthusiasm this way, "Hello from LAX!!! ... We have been getting nothing but great responses from all officers saying this is a great change TSA is doing and most of all 'It's about time!!' lol. My partner told me she ROCKED the class she was in ... Go Team, Jump Team, and Action Team. YOU'RE AWESOME!!!! Thanks for the support."
Evolution: In the FSD's Own Words
By definition, evolution is a process of developing and continuing change. The training and commitment to this process has not only been readily accepted by my personnel, but embraced with enthusiasm. While the transitional process originates from within each of us, it is readily displayed outwardly creating an infectious calm among all who come in contact. In the very short period since the inception of Evolution, both the public and our stakeholders have changed their perceptions of us, and we too view ourselves differently – as better prepared and more capable. – FSD Raymond Culbreth, Juneau (Alaska) International Airport
Engage the Evolution team with your questions and suggestions at ENGAGEevolution@dhs.gov.
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TSA's Leadership Program Now has Graduates
By Dianna Green, national program manager, Senior Leadership Development Programs, Office of Human Capital
Tony Woo (center), assistant special agent in charge (ASAC), Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS), Ashburn, Va., and a SLDP 1 graduate, receives a plaque from Gale Rossides (center), acting administrator, as Karen Burke (left), area director, Northwest, and Jerry Patton, SAC, FAMS, Dallas, and co-chair of the Senior Leadership Development subcommittee, look on. Photo by Stephen Wahoski
On Feb. 24, participants of TSA's first two Senior Leadership Development Programs (SLDP 1, SLDP 2) celebrated their achievements at a graduation ceremony at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport's historic Terminal A.
Acting Administrator Gale Rossides, the keynote speaker, congratulated the SLDP 1 graduates and gave each a plaque in recognition of their completion as the first group to emerge from the agency's two vigorous career development programs. SLDP 2's current participants – who are expected to graduate by fall, 2009 – were also recognized with certificates.
Both programs are part of the TSA Succession Plan designed to meet the agency's current and future leadership needs. The first phase, SLDP 1, prepared employees at the J- and K-Band levels for possible advancement to senior field positions at the K-Band and Transportation Security Executive Service (TSES) levels.
"SLDP 1 is the first phase in a much larger TSA systematic succession planning effort designed to build bench strength for senior leadership positions and ensure continuity of our critical operations," said Rossides.
The program challenged the participants to become more effective leaders; provided unique opportunities for networking with other participants; and unparalleled access to senior levels of TSA's leadership. Program activities focused on core competency development through mentoring, formal educational training, cross-functional developmental assignments and action learning.
The graduates were required to engage in more than three months of developmental assignments and formal leadership training outside of their position – in addition to maintaining their current job responsibilities. With job changes and promotions, many participants were under extraordinary pressure as they worked toward completing the program. Additionally, personal responsibilities and the daily requirements of each participant's duty station posed significant challenges.
During the second phase (SLDP 2), participants seek advancement as assistant FSDs (AFSDs) at the K-Band level. The programs are highly competitive to qualify. For example, out of 261 applicants, SLDP 1 was launched in early 2007 with 75 participants. To view event photos, visit iShare and click SLDP Graduation Ceremony under Pictures.
TSA Steps Up Recruiting Efforts on Campus
By Elizabeth McGovern Assink, acting deputy director, General & Technical Training, Deputy Chief Learning Office, Office of Human Capital
At the University of Puerto Rico, students interested in working at TSA sign up at an information table staffed by Cheryl DeLoach (seated), training specialist, and Zulmari Mussenden (rear), administrative assistant. Assistant Administrator David Holmes (pictured right). Photos by Ivette Medina and Elizabeth McGovern Assink
TSA senior leaders visited the University of Puerto Rico last week to engage students as part of a new agency-wide initiative called New Horizons that includes efforts to recruit highly skilled and diverse talent. The visit also marked a new partnership with the university and included meetings with commonwealth stakeholders, including the new governor of Puerto Rico, Luis G. Fortuno.
The university's business school hosted a campus event that featured a keynote address to student leaders by Assistant Administrator for Inspection David Holmes, an alumnus of the university. The business school recognized Holmes as a Distinguished Executive Alumni.
In his address, New Horizons: The Business of Building Government, Holmes talked about TSA as a business case study, focusing on how the agency was built and the business practices that make it accountable to the public and its mission to protect the traveling public.
"No problem you face, no challenge, nothing is insurmountable. And if you doubt my words, I am living proof," said Holmes. "Whatever you dream right now is possible because of your education and your dedication." The audience included students from the Society for Human Resources and the American Marketing Association university organizations.
TSA's delegation met with the university's chancellor and deans of the business, law and engineering schools. "TSA building strategic partnerships with leading universities like the University of Puerto Rico only makes TSA stronger," said Gina Nightengale, deputy chief learning officer, who led the delegation.
Besides Nightengale and Holmes, the delegation included Robin Kane, acting assistant administrator, Office of Process Technology; Kelly Hoggan, deputy assistant administrator, Office of Security Operations; Daryl Shall, deputy assistant administrator, Office of Acquisition; and alumni and key agency stakeholders from the Offices of Information Technology; Civil Rights and Liberties; Recruitment; and the Federal Air Marshal Service, which included a member of the university alumni association.
"It took entrepreneur-minded leaders to build this agency in such a short amount of time. These vital careers are what we needed for TSA – and we still do," said Holmes.
With reporting from Zulmari Mussenden, administrative assistant, Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, Puerto Rico
TSA Detroit Wins First Place in SSI's Poster Contest
By Dawn M. Donaldson, Sensitive Security Information Office
Detroit Lead TSO David Riel (second from right), holds his winning submission as FSD Robert Ball (far right) presents an award. Joining them are Deputy FSD James Douglas and Central Area SSI Coordinator Elizabeth Ramirez. Photo by Cheryl Churchill
In the second annual Sensitive Security Information (SSI) poster contest, Lead TSO David Riel, of Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, won first place, with a team of officers from Nashville International coming in second. TSO William N. Touzani, of Houston’s George Bush International Airport, captured third.
Riel's poster depicts an eagle shielding SSI under its protective wing. It will be featured as an official 2009 SSI poster – bearing the SSI motto: "Know It, Mark It, Share It, Lock It, Shred It!" – and distributed to airports nationwide.
TSA Nashville’s poster features a "SSI monkey character" and describes how to properly handle SSI material. Touzani's poster highlights a "SSI egg" with the message, "Handle (SSI) With Care."
During SSI Awareness Week last year, field coordinators were challenged to submit posters on this theme. On Jan. 29, each submission was displayed at the headquarters cafeteria where employees voted for the poster they liked best.
Members of the Nashville team are Supervisory TSO Ron Orozco; Lead TSO Michelle Boatman; Lead TSO Paul Dail; and TSOs Debra Alsup, Susan Bosmans, Candice Gillespie, Phil Hirst, Undra Mathews, Naomi Rodriquez and Mike Svolto.
"We strive to deliver the SSI message through creative, interactive activities that engage and reinforce information security," said SSI Director Andrew Colsky.
TSA Funds High-Tech Security Used During President's Visit
By Ron Eschmann, communications lead, Office of Security Technology
A dispatcher at Newport News/Williamsburg (Va.) International Airport watches a bank of monitors that include perimeter security system images and data. Photo by Melissa Mulholland
There were two "firsts" on Feb. 5 when President Barack Obama landed at Newport News/Williamsburg (Va.) International Airport: it was Obama's first flight onboard Air Force One as president and the first time the airport's newly enhanced "intelligent" perimeter security system was used to support the protection and security logistics of a president.
Lynn Sciascia, program manager for the Advanced Surveillance Program, Office of Security Technology, is proud of how the security system operates. "Our projects provide for remote security and surveillance capabilities at transportation facilities to enhance perimeter security," she said. Airport perimeters usually range from five to 20 miles.
Installed last year with funding support from TSA, the security system uses thermal vision cameras and the latest intelligent software, including night-time imaging and video analytics. That provided security teams "many eyes" along the airport's perimeter during Obama's visit, said Melissa Mulholland, airport operations manager. TSA's funding was approximately $500,000.
The system – made up of more than a dozen cameras – features intelligent software that scans and interprets multiple video images simultaneously, saving security personnel considerable time from having to constantly monitor numerous screens. The software also enables the thermal vision cameras to target visual anomalies in all types of weather conditions.
Sciascia said that "integrating technologies is the key to strengthening an already tight perimeter security."
"We are grateful for the funding initiatives and support TSA has provided to help airports enhance security," said Mulholland. Without federal assistance, she said, obtaining this type of technologically advanced system would "pose a true funding challenge to the airport, especially in these challenging economic times."
Workforce on the Web
Read about the miniature folding .22-caliber gun found at a checkpoint.
Kudos & Clips
8 British Men Tried for Alleged Airline Bomb Plot
By Jill Lawless, Associated Press, Feb. 18, 2009
Eight British Muslims plotted to kill thousands of civilians by blowing up at least seven trans-Atlantic passenger planes in mid-air with homemade liquid bombs disguised as soft drinks, a prosecutor said at their trial Tuesday. Read more.
Body Scanners Replace Metal Detectors in Tryout at Tulsa Airport
By Thomas Frank, USA Today, Feb. 18, 2009
For the first time, some airline passengers will skip metal detectors and instead be screened by body scanning machines that look through clothing for hidden weapons, the Transportation Security Administration said Tuesday. Read more.
New Initiative Boosts Education of Airport Screeners
By Melissa Ludwig, San Antonio Express-News, Feb. 18, 2009
To a shoeless traveler begging to keep a $50 bottle of hair conditioner, airport screeners can often seem rude and uncaring. But many of them love their jobs. So much that they are going back to school to learn more about homeland security, and inject a broader sense of purpose into their duties. Read more.
Air Marshal Service Aces GAO Report
By Audrey Hudson, The Washington Times, Feb. 14, 2009
An audit of the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS) shows that numerous changes and improvements have been made in how the fledgling agency is using its work force to address homeland security threats. Read more.
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