THE Federal Aviation Administration is willing to provide funding for the improvement of the CNMI’s airport security system and its disaster preparedness program.
The FAA, according to Commonwealth Ports Authority Executive Director Carlos H. Salas, would finance the purchase of sophisticated equipment needed to counter terrorism and related threats such biochemical attacks and entry of hazardous materials.
In particular, the FAA would fund the purchase of a big van to serve as a mobile command center.
“The FAA is providing the money for the vehicle command center to enhance our capability to respond to any kind of emergency situation,” Salas said.
The vehicle would cost some $600,000.
CPA and FAA representatives headed by Honolulu-based airport chief Ron Simpson recently conducted a full-scale disaster drill on Rota to train airport law enforcement personnel and airlines staff in case of aircraft-related emergencies.
The training also involved personnel from the Department of Public Safety, the Emergency Management Office and medical personnel.
“It’s very successful. Everybody participated,” Salas said.
He added that the FAA instructed CPA to focus on its disaster preparedness program.
“The goal is to save more lives, to activate our response plan and to provide assistance to victims,” he said.
He said it was one of the requirements set by the FAA.
“It’s an FAA requirement. Also, it’s a necessity. We really need to be trained on this,” he said.
Part of the response plan is the acquisition of more computers and installation of more telephone lines and other communication gadgets.
“We need something that would connect us immediately to the military on Guam as well as other agencies in the CNMI,” Salas said.
Salas clarified though that there was no intelligence report that showed an immediate threat to the CNMI.
But as part of the U.S., CNMI airports will always be on alert against any act of terrorism, he said.
“We must always follow all necessary precautions in our airports,” he said.
Salas is scheduled to leave for Honolulu and Nevada next week to attend conferences on airport security matters.
