RECOGNITION OF EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE ON BLUE

UNCLAS STATE 044865 SIPDIS SIPDIS AIT/T FOR DIRECTOR DR. STEPHEN M. YOUNG FROM ACTING PM A/S AMB STEPHEN MULL E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC ETTC KOMC TW SUBJECT: RECOGNITION OF EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE ON BLUE LANTERN CHECKS: O'CONNOR, KIM, AND YANG ¶1. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the outstanding performance of economic officers Matthew O'Connor and Lisa Yang and EXBS advisor Mi-Yong Kim for their timely and thorough investigation of Blue Lantern cases. As you know, the Blue Lantern program is the Department's primary instrument for monitoring the end-use of exported defense articles, technology, and services. This program is indispensable to PM's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls in making informed licensing decisions, discovering illicit supply networks, and deterring diversions of U.S. military articles and technology. ¶2. Since the beginning of FY2008, AIT/T's Blue Lantern team has managed 14 Blue Lantern cases, many of them complex and requiring considerable effort to complete. Despite this heavy case load, Mr. O'Connor and Mss. Kim and Yang provided detailed responses in a very timely manner, with many cases being closed within two weeks. Their diligence, thoroughness, and professionalism continues AIT/T Blue Lantern team's long and proud tradition of outstanding effort and results, which have helped to facilitate the flow of legitimate defense trade while safeguarding against diversion and misuse. ¶3. The PM Bureau and the Department are grateful for the efforts of Mr. O'Connor and Mss. Kim and Yang, which have demonstrably contributed to the security and integrity of U.S. defense trade. RICE