New head of security at Memphis airport

MEMPHIS, June 30 (UPI) -- The U.S. Transportation Security Administration has named a new head of federal security at Memphis International Airport.

TSA officials announced 25-year Navy veteran Kevin McCarthy has been appointed the new federal security director at Memphis International Airport. McCarthy, the former head of security at Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans, will also be responsible for security at McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport in Jackson, Tenn., the TSA reported.

As director of security at Louis Armstrong International Airport, McCarthy was responsible for the coordination effort getting the airport back up and running after Hurricane Katrina.

"Kevin's performance under challenging circumstances in New Orleans and his exemplary service in the military have prepared him for the responsibility of overseeing federal security at the busiest air cargo airport in the world," Mo McGowan, TSA assistant administrator for security operations, said in a statement.

McCarthy, a former Navy pilot, also has served as the executive officer of the Naval Air Station, Joint Reserve Base in New Orleans, among other leadership roles.