New TSA Administrator Visits Raleigh-Durham Airport, Highlights Top Goals for Agency

RALEIGH, N.C., July 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- John S. Pistole, the new Administrator for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today visited Raleigh-Durham International Airport, as he continues a series of visits to airports and transportation facilities. Speaking with TSA employees and airport and airline stakeholders, he outlined his top goals and priorities, which include:

• Improving TSA's counterterrorism focus through intelligence and cutting edge technology
• Supporting the TSA workforce and
• Strengthening the agency's relationships with stakeholders and the traveling public.

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"Working with TSA's dedicated team both here and abroad, we will achieve these critical transportation priorities," said TSA Administrator John Pistole. "I look forward to hearing from key stakeholders, TSA employees, and the traveling public as we work to achieve our mission of keeping transportation secure."

Also today, Pistole highlighted details of MyTSA, a mobile web and iPhone application that enables travelers to quickly and easily access the most frequently asked questions about airport security. The free application also enables passengers to post wait times for other passengers to view.

"This app will help passengers prepare for the security screening process, making their trip through the checkpoint more efficient," Pistole said.

In addition, Pistole is soliciting input and feedback from the public through an online forum called "Talk to TSA." Talk to TSA provides a forum for passengers to send comments, suggestions and feedback and may be found at www.tsa.gov.

Pistole was sworn-in as TSA Administrator on July 1, 2010. Pistole came to TSA as a 26-year veteran of the FBI with extensive national security and counterterrorism experience. Most recently, Pistole served as the Deputy Director of the FBI. After the tragic events of September 11, 2001, he was put in charge of the FBI's greatly expanded counterterrorism program, eventually becoming the FBI's Executive Assistant Director for Counterterrorism and Counterintelligence before being named as Deputy Director in 2004.

TSA's mission is to protect the Nation's transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce through continuously setting the standard for excellence in transportation security through its people, processes, and technology. TSA's nearly 50,000 transportation security officers screen approximately 2 million people at 450 airports every day to keep the traveling public safe.

SOURCE Transportation Security Administration