TSA director to step down
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Adm. David Stone, director of the Transportation Security Administration, will be stepping down, but administration officials insist his department is not going anywhere.
"Admiral Stone has played a vital role in TSA's success in strengthening our nation's transportation system," said Department of Homeland Security spokesman Brian Roehrkasse. "He has announced his intention to depart TSA, but has been asked by the department to stay for the next few months to assist with a smooth transition to a successor."
Stone has been on the job since December 2003.
Roehrkasse dismissed reports that the future of the TSA may be in jeopardy. "The TSA has the full confidence of the department leadership and will continue in its missions to secure the nation's aviation and transportation system," he said.
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff is conducting a review of the department and a Homeland Security official said he "will look at all aspects of TSA operations consistent with studying all aspects of the department's operations."
The review is expected to be completed in late May or early June.
