News & Updates

Member Story: Homeland Security is More than Just Law Enforcement

InternationalMember Stories

February 3, 2016

(click for larger image)

(click for larger image)

The U.S. Coast Guard (a branch of the U.S Department of Homeland Security) recently conducted a marine inspection for the San Diego cruise company Hornblower Cruises & Events while its cruise vessel was still located in Ensenada, Baja California.

While most people solely think of DHS as law enforcement, the overseas inspection – which allowed Hornblower to complete requirements quickly and at a lower cost – represents one example of an overall shift towards commerce facilitation and economic security.

From Chamber VP, Paola Avila:

“This tremendous effort by the Coast Guard was key to facilitating the relationship and helping to grow commerce while ensuring economic security between our two nations. The Coast Guard is to be commended for seeing the possibility that exists by utilizing the strong San Diego-Mexico economic relationship to create new business opportunities for both of our nations.”

Chamber Staff Participate in First Border-Wide Infrastructure Workshop

International

February 1, 2016

Last month, Chamber staff participated in the first and only border-wide U.S. – Mexico Border Infrastructure workshop, which was hosted by CALTRANS San Diego. During the workshop, both public and private stakeholders engaged in discussions on strategies for acquiring funding sources for border improvement projects.

Additionally, the workshop focused on five themes:

  • Funding sources/mechanisms and the application process;
  • Risks and risk mitigation for innovative financing;
  • Bridging and accommodating sovereign processes and requirements; and
  • The role of public resources in leveraging private resources.

 

Community Partner of the Month: Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation and Museum, MCAS-Miramar

Community Partners

February 1, 2016

The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum is the only Museum entirely dedicated to United States Marine Corps (USMC) Aviation, with the largest and most complete collection of vintage aircraft flown by Marine pilots in the world. The Museum is open Tuesday – Sunday, 9 am to 3:30 pm and admission is free.

Currently on display are 27 aircraft from World War II to present day, including “Lady Ace”, the helicopter that evacuated the U.S. ambassador from the rooftop of the embassy in Saigon on April 30, 1975, an action that effectively ended the Vietnam War. The Museum is staffed almost entirely by veterans, many of whom served as pilots, aircrew, or ground crew in past conflicts and wars. These veterans donate more than 24,000 hours annually to share their deep knowledge with visitors and make our history come alive.

Former California Governor and San Diego Mayor Pete Wilson to Speak at Gala May 14

Our main fundraising event of the year supports Museum operations and funds maintenance and restoration of the 48 vintage aircraft in our collection. (Currently being restored by volunteers is a rare World War II-era SBD bomber that spent more than 40 years at the bottom of Lake Michigan.) Governor Pete Wilson, a Marine Corps Veteran, is the Guest of Honor. For sponsorships of the gala, please call the Foundation at 858-693-1723 or visit www.flyingleathernecks.org/annual-gala.

Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation Working to Inspire a New Generation

FlyingLizardOur Mission is to preserve the history of U.S. Marine Corps aviation, honor the service of its personnel and inspire in all generations an appreciation for America’s freedoms.

In partnership with the Character Development Center of the University of San Diego, the Museum offers curriculum-based programs on the history, legends and legacy of service and sacrifice. Programs include field trips, classroom visits and an essay contest that encourages middle and high school students to reflect on the role that honor, courage and commitment play in their own lives.

For more information, visit www.flyingleathernecks.org.