DAYTON, Ohio — U.S. Customs and Border Protection joined the Dayton International Airport (DAY) in a ribbon cutting ceremony for their new General Aviation Facility (GAF) on October 16.
After a two year, $1.5 million infrastructure update, the Dayton GAF now welcomes direct arrival aircraft and passengers from countries all over the world. Prior to the creation of this new state-of-the-art processing center, foreign aircraft and passengers had to clear CBP at other ports of entry.
CBP Chicago Director of Field Operations Robert White joined Cleveland Area Port Director Marc Hurteau and Dayton Port Director John Deitzer to formally recognize the new facility. Dayton City Commissioner Jeffrey Mims, Deputy City Manager Joe Parlette, Director of Aviation Terry Slaybaugh, and delegates from the offices of U.S. Representatives Mike Turner and Warren Davidson attended the ceremony as well.
White applauded the efforts of CBP’s external stakeholders during the lengthy construction project. “We are very appreciative of the support we’ve received from our partners throughout the planning and construction of this facility.”
Commissioner Mims highlighted multiple benefits the new facility provides the city, including added sources of revenue and increased safety opportunities for those who live and work in the Dayton area. Representative Turner expressed his “thanks and appreciation to the CBP officers for their service and dedication to public safety and the CBP mission.”
The new GAF follows another major public service enhancement at the Dayton Port of Entry. In August, CBP opened a new Global Entry Enrollment Center in Dayton to provide the public better access to one of the most popular Trusted Traveler Programs.
“This new facility provides a secure location for our officers to complete their anti-terrorism mission and to provide all necessary services to the local community and airport authorities,” said Hurteau. “We now have a modernized general aviation facility, a port office, and a global entry enrollment center under one roof at the Dayton Port of Entry.”
CBP’s dual mission is to facilitate legitimate trade and travel in the United States while securing the nation’s borders. To find out more about U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the Dayton area, visit @CBPChicago on Twitter.