hree Teams From Guam Graduate TSA Explosive Detection Canine Training Territory To Have Full Complement of TSA Certified Explosive Detection Canine Teams

Three canine teams from the Territory of Guam graduated Thursday, Nov. 10 from the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) National Explosives Detection Canine Handler Course at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

TSA has been working closely with local officials, elected leaders and the U.S. Postal Service to strengthen security measures and capabilities at the Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport on Guam, including working to deploy TSA-certified Explosive Detection Canine Teams permanently to the airport.

“With the graduation of three teams from the TSA training facility at Lackland Air Force Base, we take another step closer to realizing the planned solution for the screening of mail and cargo on aircraft leaving Guam. These teams can now head home where they will complete certifications and become an important part of permanent security assets at the airport,” said Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo. “The partnership between TSA, the U.S. Postal Service, community leaders and airport officials has produced a good solution for Guam.”

During the 10-week course, officers were provided instruction on explosives detection, handler skills, explosives safety, and safe handling and accountability of explosives canine training aids. They spent much of their time searching for explosives in specialized indoor and outdoor training areas that resemble the airport environment, including aircraft searches. The teams also practice searching warehouses, luggage and a parking lot filled with cars, trucks, vans and buses.

"These teams represent a major milestone for the TSA and the Territory of Guam,” said Daniel Astorga, TSA Federal Security Director, Won Pat International Airport. “We are excited to be able to work with our partners to provide a reliable, highly effective method to detect potentially explosive materials and to extend our enhanced security measures to the territories.”

Canine teams combine excellent mobility with reliable detection rates. Their uses include searching areas in response to bomb threats and investigating unattended packages in airports and other transportation terminals, vehicles, luggage, cargo and other areas, as well as serving as a proven deterrent to would-be terrorists or criminals. The remainder of the class will be stationed at transportation systems in: Atlanta, New York, Salt Lake City, Reno, NV and Little Rock, AR.

The National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program is a cooperative partnership with participating airports. TSA pays to train the canine, provides in-depth training for the handler, and partially reimburses the participating agency for costs associated with the teams, such as salaries, overtime, canine food and veterinary care. The TSA-certified canine teams reflect the core values of the Department of Homeland Security – providing first responders with the right tools, technical assistance and funding to protect our nation's interest.

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Contact:  Alicia Chon in Washington, D.C. at (202) 225-1188 or Joseph Duenas in Guam at (671) 477-4272/4.