see also: in June 2008:   CBP in New Orleans Offers Tips for International Air Travelers for Summer Season   CBP Offers Tips for International Air Travelers in Memphis for Summer Season   U.S. Customs and Border Protection to Host San Diego Hiring Event   Baltimore CBP Recovers Stolen Vehicle Being Shipped Overseas   Border Patrol Agents Seize Cocaine, Methamphetamines and Marijuana   Canada, U.S. Sign Arrangement to Align Security Standards for Cross-Border Business   CBP, Texas Strengthen Partnership to Ensure Border Security ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Burlington, Vermont — Commissioner W. Ralph Basham hosted a Mission Appreciation event for CBP employees on June 16, at the Sheraton Hotel Ballroom in Burlington, Vermont. Approximately 250 CBP employees from the offices of Border Patrol, Field Operations, Plattsburgh Air Branch, Human Resources Management, Labor and Employee Relations, and the Vermont Vetting Center, were all on hand to welcome the Commissioner to the "Green Mountain" state.

After the presentation of the flags by the CBP Honor Guard, Swanton Sector Mission Support Specialist Linda Jarvis led the Pledge of Allegiance. Swanton Sector Chief Daniel B. Doty welcomed the Commissioner on behalf of all CBP employees. His remarks highlighted the importance of strong partnerships and CBP officers joining forces with state and local law enforcement to protect our nation’s borders and keep our communities safer.

At the conclusion of the ceremony in Burlington, the Commissioner was taken by A-Star helicopter to tour the Plattsburgh Air Branch and visit with employees. He was then flown to the northern border’s newest port of entry in Champlain, N.Y. where he greeted employees.

The Commissioner also had an opportunity to patrol Lake Champlain. He was briefed on the challenges that face both OBP and OFO as they balance the need to protect our nations water borders while at the same time facilitating legitimate travel and recreational opportunities for those who wish to enjoy beautiful Lake Champlain and the surrounding area.

Again stressing partnership, Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Rosendo Hinojosa briefed the Commissioner on Operation Lake Champlain, a joint OFO/OBP plan to place a temporary inspectional facility on floating docks allowing boaters to be inspected as the first enter Lake Champlain from Canada. Operation Lake Champlain is expected to expedite and improve the inspectional process by reducing wait times during the busy boating season as well as assist the Border Patrol in its enforcement mission.

The Commissioner then made a quick stop to the Alburg port of entry in Vermont where he met with Assistant Director of Field Operations for Border Security Nancy Gilcoine. Despite the fact that Alburg is a very small port it is rich in tradition. With the stroke of George Washington’s pen, Alburg became the first port of entry in Vermont in 1791. The Alburg port of entrywas also one of the first joint border facilities along the border of the United States and Canada.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.