[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 156 (Monday, November 8, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2294]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                COOPERATION BETWEEN THE GAMBIA AND NASA

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                            HON. DAN BURTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 5, 1999

  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight for my 
colleagues the continued cooperation between The Gambia and the 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The Gambia's 
President, Dr. Yahya Jammeh, recently completed his first visit to the 
United States as head-of-State, and I had the opportunity to meet with 
him personally to discuss issues of mutual interest.
  The Banjul Airport has been among four select locations in the world 
designated as augmented emergency landing sites and recovery locations 
for the United States Space Shuttle. NASA space shuttles, launched 
eastward in a ballistic trajectory over the Atlantic Ocean, fly 
directly over Banjul, thus making it an ideal location for emergency 
landings if needed. Banjul International Airport (BIA) boasts an ultra-
modern $10 million passenger terminal, a new nine-floor Air Traffic 
Control Tower, newly installed security systems, and upgraded airfield 
lighting and navigation systems. In addition, The Gambia's Civil 
Aviation Authority (GCAA) works closely with the United Space Alliance, 
which is responsible for operating the Transoceanic Abort Landing (TAL) 
sites for every NASA space shuttle mission.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend NASA and President Jammeh for 
their cooperation, and I strongly encourage them to continue to work 
together in the future.

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