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Subject: Information for CBP Employees
Author: BCBP Transition
Date: 2/28/2003 6:41 PM

MESSAGE FROM ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER JAYSON P. AHERN TO ALL CBP EMPLOYEES

The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) "Day One Leadership Conference" was held this week in Reston, Virginia, bringing together the executive leadership team and the principal field managers from the U.S. Customs Service, the Immigration and Naturalization Service, and the Dept. of Agriculture (AQI). The theme of the conference, derived from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, was "One Team, One Fight."

Commissioner Bonner stated that we are responsible for carrying out our primary mission of detecting and preventing terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the U.S., while facilitating the orderly and efficient flow of legitimate trade and people. He also stressed that we carry out the traditional roles of each respective agency joining CBP. He stated that CBP would build on the expertise of our employees and the combined agency traditions of: Service to Country, Honor, and Integrity.

The Commissioner wants to begin by establishing a clear, understandable chain of command for all CBP personnel, from the field to Headquarters. As the Assistant Commissioner for CBP, I will be overseeing the Office of Field Operations, the field management centers, and all ports of entry. This brings many challenges and many opportunities. My senior level management team will consist of Mr. William Heffelfinger, who will remain as my Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Mr. Mike Cronin, Associate Commissioner for Immigration Policy and Programs, Ms. Mary Neal, Associate Commissioner for Agriculture Quarantine Inspections (AQI) Policy and Programs, Mr. Robert Jacksta, Executive Director, Border Security and Facilitation, Ms. Elizabeth Durant, Executive Director, Trade Compliance and Facilitation, and Ms. Patricia Duffy, Executive Director, Operations. This week, the interim Directors of Field Operations and the interim Port Directors were named at the Day One conference. We have assembled a formidable management team, ready and able to face the many challenges that lie ahead.

Managers from AQI, USCS, and INS will need to spend time with each other to learn each other's missions. We have an unprecedented opportunity to look at our borders, processes and inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement. No federal agency will have a greater responsibility for carrying out the anti-terrorism mission than CBP. We will move forward carefully and thoughtfully to make sure that we do the right thing. We also know that change creates anxiety, and we won't lose sight of the many "people aspects" of this change.

Training will be key as we move forward in this organization. We need to reach out to the Trade Community so that they know the Trade mission will not be diminished as of March 1. We will maintain our close working relationships with the Customs and INS agents that will comprise the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (BICE). We will create a better, more efficient Bureau. We will establish a stronger, more unified workforce.

Our role at the border places us squarely in the line of sight of terrorist organizations. The stakes are high and we all need to remain focused. A moment's distraction can have a devastating effect on our country. In the days, weeks, and months ahead, CBP will respond to the challenges we face together. We are the guardians of the border, America's Frontline. We are One Team with One Fight.