David Pekoske has been formally sworn in as administrator of the US TSA, taking command of a sprawling agency with about 60,000 employees that conducts security operations at nearly 450 US airports. Pekoske retired in 2010 from the US Coast Guard, in which he served as vice commandant. He fills a void left by Peter Neffenger, also a former Coast Guard vice commandant, who stepped down as TSA administrator when US President Donald Trump took office on Jan. 20, 2017. Huban Gowadia had been acting TSA administrator since then. “As the [Coast Guard] vice commandant, Pekoske was second in command, also serving as chief operating officer and component acquisition executive of the US Coast Guard,” the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said. “He is a recognized expert in crisis management and port and maritime security.” Airlines and airports are encouraging Pekoske to continue the intelligence-driven, risk-based approach to airport security favored by Neffenger and his predecessor John Pistole. That approach has led to the introduction and expansion of the Pre-Check expedited screening program and the implementation of what are being called “automated” or “innovation” screening lanes at some major airports.<br/>
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American football team New England Patriots has acquired two former American Airlines Boeing 767-300ERs for travel to out-of-town games. ESPN broke the news on 8 August, reporting that the Patriots chose to acquire aircraft in response to increases in the cost of chartering aircraft. The Patriots confirmed the acquisition to FlightGlobal, but declined to answer questions about whether the team will operate the aircraft or hire an outside provider. The 767s are owned by a company called Team 125 Inc, operated by the New England Patriots LLC and financed by Kraft Group, a company led by Patriots owner Robert Kraft, Fleets Analyzer shows. American acquired the 767s new in 1991 and parked them in early 2016. The 767s have market value of about $5.5m.<br/>
A woman preparing to board a plane was found with a gun at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. It happened shortly after 3 p.m. Wednesday at the north security checkpoint. TSA officials say the passenger was stopped when they found a Hi-Point 40 caliber Smith & Wesson JCP handgun inside a carry-on bag during the X-ray screening. The Cleveland Police Department responded to the scene where the woman was questioned and issued a summons. The TSA notes that firearms are never permitted in carry-on luggage.<br/>