Merton Cox:  

Well, moving again... I've just accepted the position of Director of our National Air Training Center in Oklahoma City. Life has been a great ride thus far. I'll move from the Washington, DC area to OKC in January 2009. In my new position, I will be responsible for overseeing the administration of tactical law enforcement and aviation training to all DHS - CBP aviation personnel. I'm excited over this new challenge and looking forward to continued service of my country. My previous assignment was Director of Test, Training, Safety and Standards for the Department of Homeland Security - U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Washington, DC. I was responsible for oversight of our operational test and evaluation program where we tested all new aircraft and equipment prior to placing it into operational service, all training functions, the air and ground safety programs - to include accident investigations and the standardization of aviation procedures. Prior to this promotion, I managed a group of approximately 10 pilots at a field location in Florida. Our primary function is anti-terrorism, surveillance and counter drug missions. I've been able to visit alot of really unusual places in my line of work....I never would have dreamed of some of the things I have seen and been able to do - sure a long way from Plymouth. I'm based in Washington D.C. but travel all over the country and abroad in my work. Prior to my supervisory and management promotions, I served as a pilot, flying multi-engine airplanes and helicopters for DHS doing the same type missions I now supervise. Since high school, I've lived in Germany, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Alaska, Florida and now D.C. Before my federal civilian service, I was Chief Pilot for the North Carolina Marine Patrol...Expand for more