NASA, USDA
& Forest Service Leaders Visit Columbia Debris Searchers in East Texas
News media are invited to meet with NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe, U.S. Department
of Agriculture Deputy Secretary James R. Moseley, and U.S. Forest Service Chief
Dale Bosworth during their visit to Space Shuttle Columbia search and recovery
operation sites in East Texas on Wednesday, April 16.
The officials will observe ground operations, thank search personnel for their
significant contributions to the recovery effort, and receive an update on the
nearly 11-week operation.
Media are invited to witness operations with the group during a morning visit
to an active search site in the vicinity of Palestine, Texas. The group is scheduled
to arrive in Palestine about 10 a.m. CDT.
A media opportunity is also scheduled for approximately 4:30 p.m. CDT at the Lufkin
Emergency Operations Center, 415 S. First St. Lufkin, Texas.
News media may cover the group's evening visit to the Incident Command Post at
Hemphill, Texas. The group will arrive at the camp about 6 p.m. CDT, to receive
briefings and have dinner with search teams.
Media should contact the Lufkin Joint Information Center at: 936/699-1019/1094
to participate in events. While in the field, media must follow the safety directions
of the search team leader and stay with escorts.
For information about NASA and the Columbia Accident Investigation on the Internet,
visit:
http://www.nasa.gov