FAA Security and Hazardous Materials Safety

The FAA's Office of Security and Hazardous Materials Safety (ASH) is a U.S. government aviation safety organization established following the 1996 ValuJet Flight 592 disaster. Founded as the Hazardous Materials and Cargo Security Program with $10.5 million in Congressional funding and 130 personnel, it merged with the Internal Security Program in 2002. ASH oversees dangerous goods transportation on commercial aircraft, conducts facility security assessments, manages personnel security clearances, and enforces hazardous materials regulations. The office applies risk-based decision-making and Safety Management System approaches, partnering with PHMSA, TSA, and international bodies. There is no documented connection between ASH and UAP/UFO research.