Robert A. Harding is the new TSA nominee

WASHINGTON, (KUNA): Robert A. Harding is the new TSA nominee. US President Barack Obama announced here Monday his intention to nominate a retired US Army Major General to lead the Transportation Security Administration.

A white House statement indicated that Obama intends to nominate Major General Robert Harding as Assistant Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration).

On this occasion, Obama voiced his confidence that Hardings "talent and expertise will make him a tremendous asset in our ongoing efforts to bolster security and screening measures at our airports".

"I can think of no one more qualified than Bob to take on this important job, and I look forward to working with him in the months and years ahead," he added.

Harding has spent over 35 years working in the Intelligence Community, as a leader in both the military and the private sectors.

Before entering the private sector, General Harding completed 33 years in the US Army, where he served in progressively challenging command and staff assignments before retiring in 2001.

His staff assignments included intelligence positions in US Forces Command, U.S. Forces Korea, US Army Europe, US Army PERSCOM, and the Army Staff.

Harding also served as a member of the Obama Administrations Presidential Transition Team, where he focused on the Intelligence community.

According to reports, Harding would be the fifth official to assume this post at the Transportation Security Administration, which was formed following the September 11 2001 terror attacks.