Enlarge AFP/Getty Images Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. USA TODAY OPINION Columns In addition to its own editorials, USA TODAY publishes a variety of opinions from outside writers. On political and policy matters, we publish opinions from across the political spectrum. Roughly half of our columns come from our Board of Contributors, a group whose interests range from education to religion to sports to the economy. Their charge is to chronicle American culture by telling the stories, large and small, that collectively make us what we are. We also publish weekly columns by Al Neuharth, USA TODAY's founder, and DeWayne Wickham, who writes primarily on matters of race but on other subjects as well. That leaves plenty of room for other views from across the nation by well-known and lesser-known names alike. * Contributors Board * How to submit a column As we enter this holiday weekend, Americans who are traveling, spending time with family and friends and enjoying holiday festivities should know that the homeland security, law enforcement and intelligence communities are doing everything we can to prevent terrorists from disrupting their safety and security. Year round, it is our goal to stay several steps ahead of our terrorist adversaries so that we can prevent them from carrying out their attacks. That is what the president has directed, and that is what the American people rightly expect and deserve. It has been a year since terrorists attempted to destroy a U.S.-bound airliner and kill innocent men, women and children. Last Christmas Day, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab sought to detonate a bomb made from non-metallic, highly explosive material concealed in his underwear while en route from Amsterdam to Detroit. In the days immediately following last year's attempted attack, the Department of Homeland Security partnered with the intelligence community, law enforcement, air carriers and our foreign partners to swiftly implement enhanced aviation security measures. We also began looking at ways to better use real-time, threat-based intelligence to enhance both the seen and unseen layers of security. These steps have led to significant advances in our ability to screen travelers and cargo for potential threats. For example, we have now fulfilled a key 9/11 Commission recommendation by implementing the Secure Flight program, which helps us more effectively check watch lists — and target our resources — so that we're giving more scrutiny to passengers who deserve it, and moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach. And, again using threat-based intelligence, we have modified our pat-down procedures to counter the latest terrorist tactics and deter other approaches that might be used by terrorists to conceal improvised explosive devices and other methods of attack. Because technology also plays an important role in securing passengers, cargo and the entire international aviation system, we've also accelerated the most significant deployment of new screening technology to U.S. airports since metal detectors were installed in the 1970s. This Advanced Imaging Technology, or AIT, allows us to quickly, safely and discreetly screen passengers for non-metallic explosives that could be hidden under clothing. As of this month, the Transportation Security Administration has deployed nearly 500 AIT units to more than 75 airports nationwide. The failed Christmas Day attack and the foiled air cargo plot from this fall remind us that in a global aviation system, our collective security requires effective global partnerships. Over the past year, DHS has participated in a historic, global effort to strengthen the international civil aviation system on which we all rely. To date, more than 190 nations, including the United States, have adopted stronger aviation security protocols to help address potential security gaps and vulnerabilities. This agreement also lays the foundation for future partnerships to further strengthen aviation security standards and improve information sharing among nations. In recent months, we've also engaged with our global partners on measures to bolster air cargo security requirements, including the 100% inspection of all high-risk cargo. Each of these efforts and initiatives is important to counter the threats from terrorism. Nonetheless, we know that our enemy is creative and determined, and remains intent on attacking the United States and our allies abroad. We also know that we can never fully eliminate all risk. Indeed, terrorists seek to exploit the system of global commerce that drives our economy, as well as the spirit of openness that defines who we are as Americans. But by continually refining and adapting our tactics and procedures, and remaining vigilant to potential threats, we will all be safer and more secure. Finally, the public plays a vital role in safeguarding the security of our aviation system. From maintaining a sense of vigilance, to being strong partners in our aviation screening and security efforts, the flying public serve as active participants in the effort to keep all of us safe. Our collective goal remains to stay ahead of our terrorist adversaries and stop them before they can strike. While much progress has been made, together we must keep pursuing this every day. Janet Napolitano is secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read more