George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is celebrating multiple successes at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) 2023 TSA Honorary Awards ceremony at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on April 30.

“It’s my greatest honor and privilege to highlight our incredible employees,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “This year’s TSA Honorary Awards is another opportunity for me to personally show my appreciation of our award recipients from across TSA, who have made significant contributions in support of TSA’s mission.”

The TSA Team at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) has been awarded the Airport of the Year distinction within the CAT-X-I category. This award recognizes the exceptional performance of the entire TSA team at IAH in exceeding screening standards and maintaining a safe and secure environment for passengers.

Anthony M. Nolasco, a Transportation Security Officer at IAH, was named 2023 TSA Inspector of the Year. 

Randall Bownds, a Transportation Security Officer at IAH, was named 2023 Canine Handler of the Year. 

TSA was created in the aftermath of 9/11 to oversee security in all modes of transportation and completed federalization of security operations by the end of 2002. TSA became part of the Department of Homeland Security in March 2003, making up a quarter of the DHS workforce. TSA’s scope includes commercial and general aviation; mass transit systems; freight and passenger rail; highways, pipelines and ports.

Transportation security officers screen more than 2 million passengers each day at nearly 440 airports nationwide. Officers are trained to spot prohibited items, and on average, discover nine firearms per day at security checkpoints.