"I don't think it's a wise choice, given the sensitive activity that happens there. I'm surprised," said Jonathan Wackrow, who served for 14 years as a special agent in the US Secret Service. He expressed concerns about foreign entities operating the heliport, emphasizing, "It raises a red flag. It's odd and should certainly be questioned. Any critical infrastructure should not be operated by a foreign entity." His worry stems from the access they may have to national security information.
"Where will this information go?" he asked, pressing on the implications of foreign control over such a sensitive location. The Downtown Heliport serves not only for Marine One but is also used by US military and federal law enforcement officials, making its security and operational oversight paramount.
Wackrow emphasized the importance of the heliport post-9/11, as it provides crucial access to a site of historical significance and potential vulnerability. Due to its strategic location and the activities that occur there, he advocates for stringent control measures, stating that allowing foreign entities to operate it could lead to jeopardized security.
The decision comes amidst concerns about the previous operator, Saker Aviation Services, who faced scrutiny over possible conflicts of interest. This shift to a new European operator follows a competitive bidding process. The chosen firm, Downtown Skyport, has a partnership with experienced operators from the UK and France, indicating a shift in strategy for the city.
Collection
[
|
...
]