Los Alamos, DHS guests dedicate homeland security center

Contact: Nancy Ambrosiano, nwa@lanl.gov, (505) 667-0471 (03-062)

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LOS ALAMOS, N.M., May 1, 2003 -- Los Alamos National Laboratory's Center for Homeland Security will host key U.S. Department of Homeland Security visitors for a special dedication ceremony today. The Center is the key contact point at the Laboratory for organizations seeking scientific and technical assistance in areas related to homeland security.

Distinguished guests for the dedication from the Department of Homeland Security include Dr. Charles E. McQueary, under secretary for Science and Technology; Dr. Penrose (Parney) C. Albright, acting director for Plans, Programs, and Budget; Dr. Holly A. Dockery, director, Standards, State and Local Interactions, International Interactions; Michael J. Burns, director, Office of National Laboratories and Keith T. Schwalm, director, U.S. Secret Service Portfolio.

John Immele, deputy director for national security at Los Alamos said, "The Laboratory's many achievements in science, technology and analysis for homeland security are focused through our Center. We are honored to highlight that role by hosting the Department of Homeland Security in this dedication."

The visitors will be briefed on important areas of research at Los Alamos, touring some of the unique facilities that the Laboratory brings to the homeland security mission.

The Center, which was established in December of 2002, has the following focus areas: Borders, Information & Infrastructure Protection, Radiological & Nuclear Countermeasures and Chemical & Biological Countermeasures.

Los Alamos National Laboratory is operated by the University of California for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) of the U.S. Department of Energy and works in partnership with NNSA's Sandia and Lawrence Livermore national laboratories to support NNSA in its mission.

Los Alamos enhances global security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health and national security concerns.

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