Another first for TSA!
For the first time in history, the agency activated a special RV during the November elections, and the result was quite the partnership between TSA’s Security Operations and Information Technology (IT).
Domestic Aviation Operations Medium Hub Executive Director Julian Williams authorized the deployment of one of Security Operations’ mobile communications vehicles to the Transportation Security Operations Center (TSOC) in Herndon, Virginia. At the TSOC (also called the Freedom Center), TSA partners with the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Aviation Administration and FBI to monitor incidents across the nation’s transportation systems.
Williams was the incident manager for the Critical Incident Management Group, which TSA activated to coordinate agency preparedness and response during and immediately following the election.
“The goal was to help maintain communication and awareness during the election process,” said Keith Pratt, emergency manager for IT’s Freedom Center Support Branch. “Security Operations maintains multiple units around the country to support a variety of emergency and special events.”
Williams said the communications systems on wheels, such as the command mobile response vehicle (MRV) activated for the first time during an election period, has several purposes.
“The MRV supports operations, employees and agency mission by providing operational or emergency communications technology and support,” noted Williams. “The vehicle allows for vital information to flow up and down the chain of command during critical incidents and high visibility events.”
These vehicles really pack a punch when it comes to their significant communications capabilities.
“They can be deployed to provide various alternative communications including, but not limited to, phone, internet and high frequency radio,” Pratt explained.
Communications Specialist John Stanford, with Security Operations, traveled from Phoenix to lead a team from Richmond International Airport (RIC) who supported watch efforts throughout the transportation system, particularly in the National Capital Region. John McManus, IT End Users Services Division deputy director, directed IT personnel to partner with Security Operations, providing personnel and equipment to deploy high-speed satellite internet services.
“We have multiple communication vehicles from small trailers to RVs that are strategically positioned around the U.S. and Caribbean islands,” Stanford described. “They are part of TSA’s insurance plan that when everything goes dark, cell towers are down, internet is compromised, we can still communicate with leadership at TSA headquarters and field locations.”
Stanford said TSA employs two communications specialists to cover all TSA locations from the U.S. Virgin Islands to Alaska and as far away as the Pacific to Guam.
“The RV is a mobile command post,” he added. “The team members set up the high frequency radio system, satellite system and communications system and complete monthly exercises to remain proficient and deployable.”
Stanford highlighted some of the past high visibility events when TSA deployed these special mobile command units:
- The pope’s visit to Washington, D.C., in 2015
- Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017
- Four Super Bowls
- Several Republican and Democratic National Committee conferences
Stanford said TSA currently has four RVs, six trailers, 105 high frequency radio locations and over 100 scanning stations that allow the agency to automatically convert voicemails to Outlook emails and send communications via the internet across the U.S, including territories.
So, as you can see, it takes quite the teamwork within TSA and with many of our agency’s partners to maintain efficient communications while protecting our nation’s transportation security.
By Don Wagner, TSA Strategic Communications & Public Affairs