1
00:00:08,700 --> 00:00:14,389
NASA and contractor experts periodically team
up to ensure they are ready to counter any

2
00:00:14,389 --> 00:00:18,500
threat to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

3
00:00:18,500 --> 00:00:24,560
Today, Kennedy is a 21st century spaceport
for both government and industry.

4
00:00:24,560 --> 00:00:30,130
As a multi-user spaceport, Kennedy is much
more diverse with many contractors, different

5
00:00:30,130 --> 00:00:36,050
launch vehicles and varied operations supporting
human and robotic space exploration.

6
00:00:36,050 --> 00:00:38,910
As such, the center could become a target.

7
00:00:38,910 --> 00:00:45,040
To be ready to defend against this possibility,
the center's Aircraft Operations recently

8
00:00:45,040 --> 00:00:50,720
teamed with the Kennedy Protective Services
Contract's Emergency Response Team, or ERT,

9
00:00:50,720 --> 00:00:54,300
for extensive training exercises.

10
00:00:54,300 --> 00:00:57,970
The space center's helicopter operations support
multiple missions.

11
00:00:57,970 --> 00:01:03,720
Their flights include everything from quickly
transporting injured persons to local hospitals,

12
00:01:03,720 --> 00:01:09,070
to firefighting, to assisting environmental
experts in keeping track of wildlife.

13
00:01:09,070 --> 00:01:14,789
Training between Aircraft Operations and ERT
is crucial for planning, coordination, reducing

14
00:01:14,789 --> 00:01:22,079
risk, working out logistical details and ensuring
safety remains paramount.

15
00:01:22,079 --> 00:01:27,270
Kennedy's Emergency Response Team, also known
as a SWAT -- for Special Weapons And Tactics

16
00:01:27,270 --> 00:01:31,060
-- is a select group within the Kennedy Patrol.

17
00:01:31,060 --> 00:01:36,350
This elite unit has the additional training
required to respond to a crisis.

18
00:01:36,350 --> 00:01:41,969
One of the simulated ERT training scenarios
worked by the joint teams included searching

19
00:01:41,969 --> 00:01:46,999
on the ground and from the air for an armed
intruder breaching the space center's gates.

20
00:01:46,999 --> 00:01:52,829
This provides an opportunity to practice using
both technology and tactics to resolve dangerous

21
00:01:52,829 --> 00:01:55,469
situations safer and faster.

22
00:01:55,469 --> 00:02:00,999
Kennedy's ERT experts and Aircraft Operations
crews coordinated maneuvers with the latest

23
00:02:00,999 --> 00:02:06,240
in communications equipment, infrared tracking
devices and other technology to assist in

24
00:02:06,240 --> 00:02:10,630
locating and apprehending a hidden or fleeing
trespasser.

25
00:02:10,630 --> 00:02:16,349
A high-technology aid recently added to the
ERT and helicopter pilot's tool kit is the

26
00:02:16,349 --> 00:02:19,099
latest generation of night vision goggles.

27
00:02:19,099 --> 00:02:24,560
The state-of-the-art vision aids allow aviators
and ERT members to see images produced in

28
00:02:24,560 --> 00:02:27,680
levels of light approaching total darkness.

29
00:02:27,680 --> 00:02:33,680
Night vision goggles now provide ERT experts
and NASA pilots increased capabilities and

30
00:02:33,680 --> 00:02:34,900
reduce risk.

31
00:02:34,900 --> 00:02:39,900
The ERT training also included repelling down
a seven-story training tower.

32
00:02:39,900 --> 00:02:45,379
This capability gives Kennedy's Security team
additional options to respond to a situation

33
00:02:45,379 --> 00:02:50,430
and quickly reach employees needing help,
or to apprehend a dangerous intruder at the

34
00:02:50,430 --> 00:02:51,430
space center.

35
00:02:51,430 --> 00:02:56,599
To date, Kennedy has not had to face a serious
threat to the safety or security of its workforce

36
00:02:56,599 --> 00:03:00,760
or facilities that, together, comprise a national
treasure.

37
00:03:00,760 --> 00:03:05,579
By conducting periodic training exercises
in which the Kennedy Protective Services team

38
00:03:05,579 --> 00:03:12,010
joins together with partner agencies and available
technology they will be ready if needed to