UPDATED--Deborah Hersman has been officially sworn in for a third two-year term as chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board. Serving as chairman since 2009, Hersman was nominated for a third term by President Barack Obama on Aug. 1, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate Oct. 16.

"It is an honor to continue serving as chairman of the NTSB," Hersman said. "I am grateful to lead this extraordinary organization and to work with some of government's most dedicated and professional public servants. I look forward to continuing to work with my fellow board members and the staff to make transportation safer for the traveling public."

Christopher Hart was also officially sworn in for a third two-year term as NTSB vice chairman. Hart is serving a second five-year term as board member, which runs through Dec. 31, 2017 and his term will end on Oct. 15, 2015.

Hersman's term as chairman will also end on Oct. 15, 2015. She is currently serving a third five-year term as board member, which runs through Dec. 31, 2018.

The NTSB is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the U.S. and significant accidents in other modes of transportation, such as railroad, highway, marine and pipeline.

Update corrects descirption of NTSB.