U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations patrol Miami waters in the Midnight Express boat ensuring safety in matters of border security. (Photo Credit: Donna Burton) For more official CBP photos, visit U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Flickr.
WASHINGTON– U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Air and Marine Operations (AMO), celebrates the unveiling of its next generation Coastal Interceptor Vessel (CIV) with multiple events throughout the D.C. area including a Capitol Hill congressional operational demonstration, a media day, and two static displays at CBP headquarters and at the Department of Homeland Security.
Interceptor Vessel.
“We are excited to share this new vessel with our stakeholders, including those on Capitol Hill, within our Department, and the American public whom we serve and protect,” said Executive Assistant Commissioner for AMO, Randolph D. Alles.
AMO’s Marine Interdiction Agents will operate the CIV in coastal waters to combat maritime smuggling and defend the waterways along our nation’s borders from acts of terrorism. The vessel will provide agents with additional speed and maneuverability, and improve comfort and safety. It is equipped with a state-of-the-art marine navigational suite.
AMO currently operates a fleet of high-speed interceptor vessels which are approaching the end of their service life. The new CIV will incorporate technological advances in hull design, safety equipment and electronics packages, to enhance operational effectiveness. AMO’s contract with SAFE Boats International will allow for delivery of up to 52 vessels.
The history of AMO’s marine program dates back to 1789 when the United States established the U.S. Customs Service and deployed a fleet of vessels to patrol U.S. coastal waters and prevent the smuggling of contraband. AMO’s newest CIV, the Alexandria, is named after one of the early Department of Treasury collectorships.
Today, AMO has approximately 1,660 federal employees, including 1,200 federal agents, 240 aircraft, and 300 marine vessels operating throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands.
To learn more about how AMO secures the maritime border, please check out this video.
For photos of the CIV, check out our Flickr page, and for video click here.
AMO crews patrol Miami waters in the Midnight Express Interceptor vessel to ensure safety in matters of border security. Photographer: Donna Burton
Marine Interdiction Agents test the capabilities of AMO's Coastal Interceptor Vessel. Photographer: Carlos Rivera
FORT PIERCE, Fla.– A marine crew from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations (AMO) rescued two people in the Intracoastal Waterway north of the Fort Pierce Inlet last Wednesday evening.
crew in Florida
While underway, Marine Interdiction Agents assigned to the Fort Pierce Marine Unit overheard a distress call regarding an overturned vessel. Agents responded, rescued the two male boaters, and brought them aboard their vessel. A good samaritan towed the overturned vessel to Round Island Beach Park.
“This is another great example of our agents’ commitment to serve and protect the American people,” said Allen Gustafson, Director, Marine Operations, at the Jacksonville Air and Marine Branch. “Whether they are responding to a smuggling threat or distress call, our agents remain vigilant.”
To learn more about how AMO secures the maritime border, please check out this video.
For local updates on CBP Air and Marine Operations follow @CBPFlorida and @CBPCaribbean on Twitter.
CBP Air and Marine Operations is a federal law enforcement organization dedicated to serving and protecting the American people through advanced aeronautical and maritime capabilities.
Air and Marine Operations deploys a new asset to protect the United States. Marine Interdiction Agents use the Coastal Interceptor Vessel in coastal waters to combat maritime smuggling and defend the waterways along our nation's border from acts of terrorism. (Photo Credit: James Tourtellotte). For more official CBP photos, visit U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Flickr.
MIAMI - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations detected 98 migrants attempting to reach South Florida shores while Border Patrol agents apprehended 56 undocumented Cuban migrants over the past week. On Tuesday, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Marathon station detained 13 Cuban nationals at Long Key State Park.
The incidents remain under investigation. After admissibility processing at a Border Patrol station, Cuban nationals will receive a Notice to Appear (NTA) before an Immigration Judge, for further proceedings under the Cuban Migration Agreement of 1995 and the Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966.
CBP maintains a strong position regarding the enforcement of our immigration laws along the country's borders and coastal areas. The Administration has no plans to change the current immigration policy toward Cuba or seek legislative changes in relation to the Cuban Adjustment Act.
During Fiscal Year 2015, Border Patrol Miami Sector agents apprehended 1752 undocumented migrants between the ports of entry with 155 cases accepted for prosecution.
United States Border Patrol’s Miami Sector includes over 1,200 miles of the coastal border encompassing the entire Florida peninsula. To prevent illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance and works closely with its law enforcement partners.
Check out this video to learn more about how CBP Air and Marine Operations secures the maritime border.
For local updates on CBP Air and Marine Operations follow @CBPFlorida and @CBPCaribbean on Twitter.
CBP Air and Marine Operations is a federal law enforcement organization dedicated to serving and protecting the American people through advanced aeronautical and maritime capabilities. If you have information about maritime smuggling or suspicious activity call1-800-BE-ALERT (1-800-232-5378).
An Air and Marine Operations (AMO) crew unveils the power of AMO’s new Coastal Interceptor Vessel on the Potomac River. Photo by Jim Tourtellotte
TAMPA, Fla.– A marine crew from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations, Tampa Marine Unit performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation to save a woman’s life after finding her unconscious on a vessel after nearly drowning on Sunday afternoon.
Marine Unit
The CBP marine interdiction agents, on a routine patrol near Clearwater Beach, immediately initiated CPR after finding a woman was not breathing aboard a boat and did not have a pulse. The agents transferred the woman to local medical personnel who were able to successfully revive her. She is now expected to make a full recovery.
“Our mission is to serve and protect the American people and these Air and Marine Operations Agents are truly heroes today,” said Allen Gustafson, Director, Marine Operations at the Jacksonville Air and Marine Branch.” “Nothing is more important out on the water than saving a life at sea and I’m very proud of the marine crew’s life-saving efforts.”
CBP Air and Marine Operation’s day-to-day operations along Florida’s coastline involve patrolling the seas and skies, intercepting contraband, catching smugglers, and assisting in rescue and recovery operations. To learn more about how AMO secures the maritime border, please check out this video or photo gallery.
For breaking news and information updates from CBP Air and Marine Operations follow @CBPFlorida and CBPCaribbean on Twitter.
CBP Air and Marine Operations is a federal law enforcement organization dedicated to serving and protecting the American people through advanced aeronautical and maritime capabilities.
NEW ORLEANS– U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations (AMO) efforts in the Gulf of Mexico led to the rescue of 12 Cuban migrants on a make-shift raft and 3 fisherman on a disabled vessel.
Over Make-Shift Raft in Gulf of Mexico
On the afternoon of September 20, an AMO DHC-8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft crew from the New Orleans Air and Marine Branch located an overloaded raft with Cuban migrants onboard in the southern Gulf of Mexico. The crew passed the craft’s position to a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) cutter in the area. The Coast Guard crew provided the migrants with food, water, and life preservers before handing them over to the Mexican Navy for transport.
Two hours later, the DHC-8 crew identified a fishing vessel in distress. The AMO crew observed flares coming from the vessel and three people onboard waving their arms and flags to attract the attention of the crew.
Through coordination between Joint Interagency Task Force-South and USCG District 7, a commercial cargo vessel crew transiting in the area was able to provide assistance to the disabled fishing vessel crew.
“I’m privileged to work for an agency that enables our agents to conduct enforcement missions, and provide humanitarian aid and rescue assistance all in a single day,” said Francisco Rodriguez, Director, Air Operations, at the New Orleans Air and Marine Branch. “I’m proud of our agents for their continued hard work and professionalism.”
SUNLAND PARK, N.M.–The El Paso Branch of Air and Marine Operations (AMO) assisted in the apprehension of an undocumented immigrant who allegedly assaulted a Border Patrol agent near Mt. Cristo Rey, in New Mexico.
The incident began when Border Patrol agents began tracking a group of suspected illegal immigrants near Mt. Cristo Rey. The agents eventually requested air assistance from AMO who arrived via helicopter and were able to provide assistance in helping locate subjects being sought based on heat signatures taken from the aircraft’s “forward looking infrared camera” (FLIR).
One member of the group was attempting to hide in desert brush when he broke away and ran toward a ground agent. The agent attempted to take the man into custody when the subject began to resist violently. A struggle ensued and both men eventually hurtled over a six-foot ledge. The agent hit his head on a rock and was temporarily disabled, while the subject continued to flee.
The AMO helicopter unit continued to spotlight the individual and led other Border Patrol agents to his whereabouts. The subject then ran at a second agent who deployed his government issued electronic control device. The subject reacted to the deployment and was taken into custody without further incident. The remaining members of the illegal immigrant group were also rounded up by agents and members of the El Paso Sector Horse Patrol Unit.
The injured agent was evaluated/treated at the scene for the contusions to his head and was transported by air ambulance to Las Palmas Medical Center. He was subsequently cleared and released by the hospital. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was notified and took custody of the subject and are tentatively planning to prosecute him for “Assault of a Federal Officer”. The subject will also be processed as an Expedited Removal and removed after his prosecution by the FBI.
Disruption ends with cocaine jettisoned in vessel’s wake
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.– U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations (AMO) efforts in the Eastern Pacific Ocean led to the arrest of three smugglers, the seizure of one vessel, and the disruption of more than 2,700 pounds of cocaine.
The crews aboard a P-3 Airborne Early Warning detection and monitoring aircraft and a P-3 Long Range Tracker worked in concert to detect two smuggling vessels southwest of El Salvador while conducting counter-narcotics operations with Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) South.
The P-3 crews detected the first smuggling vessel on radar, then observed three persons on board and a large black tarp covering cargo. A short while later, the black tarp and cargo were no longer visible on the fleeing vessel, and the P-3 crew identified a debris field in the vessel’s wake, later determined to be an estimated 1,430 pounds of cocaine.
The P-3 crews coordinated with JIATF South to intercept the smuggling vessels with a nearby U.S. Coast Guard cutter. While one aircraft assisted with that interdiction, another discovered a second drug smuggling vessel nearby. By using its small boat, the cutter was able to intercept both vessels. Onboard the second vessel, the USCG discovered 1,300 pounds of cocaine and three Ecuadorian nationals.
“It takes the combined efforts of people, aircraft, vessels, and agency partnerships to yield results like this,” said Director, Air Operations, Bob Blanchard from the National Air Security Operations Center-Jacksonville. “Our across-the-border cooperation with foreign government officials enables us to patrol these hot zones for smuggling activity, yielding substantial seizures of narcotics that would eventually reach the United States if not interdicted.”
Operation Martillo is one component in the United States’ whole-of-government approach to countering the use of the Central American littorals as transshipment routes for illicit trafficking. Operation Martillo is an international operation focused on sharing information and bringing together air, land, and maritime assets from the U.S. Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and Western Hemisphere and European partner nation agencies. U.S. military participation is led by Joint Interagency Task Force South, a component of U.S. Southern Command.
AMO P-3 crews are an integral part of the successful counter-narcotic missions operating in coordination with JIATF South. AMO crews patrol within a 42-million-square-mile area which includes more than 41 nations and the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and seaboard approaches to the United States.
In Fiscal Year 2015, AMO aircrews contributed to 198 seizures, disruptions, or interdiction events in the transit zone, resulting in the interdiction of 213,000 pounds of cocaine.
Air and Marine Operations is a federal law enforcement organization dedicated to serving and protecting the American people through advanced aeronautical and maritime capabilities.
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DUNKIRK, N.Y. – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Buffalo Border Patrol Station recently arrested a permanent resident with an extensive criminal record.
Vehicle Identification
Agents received information on September 28, regarding a vehicle involved in possible illegal activity in the town of Dunkirk, N.Y. The information, along with the assist of a CBP Air and Marine helicopter, led agents to a white Dodge van heading east on NY State Route 5. Agents confirmed a positive match of the vehicle and conducted a vehicle stop.
During the encounter with agents, which included a driver and nine passengers, two passengers were determined to be citizens of Mexico, and one passenger was determined to be a citizen of Nicaragua. The three passengers were not in possession of any immigration documents. The three subjects were arrested and transported to the Buffalo Border Patrol Station for further processing. The other six occupants were determined to be U.S. citizens from Puerto Rico and released.
Record checks revealed that Jose Razo-Villafana, a permanent resident of the U.S., had a lengthy criminal record including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Collier County, Fla. Razo-Villafana was detained at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia pending court appearance. The other two individuals were processed, released with documentation, and instructed to contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
“This arrest showcases the efforts of the men and women of the Buffalo Border Patrol Station. Apprehending and removing criminals from our communities allows us a safer place to live, “said Buffalo Border Patrol Station Patrol-Agent-In-Charge Jeff Wilson.
TUCSON, Ariz. — Aircraft and personnel from U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations, Tucson Air Branch, are headed to the East Coast to support recovery and rescue operations in response to Hurricane Matthew.
Air Branch ready for a cross-country trip to
aid in the Hurricane Matthew relief efforts
Hurricane Matthew has overwhelmed state government resources, prompting requests for federal assistance to supplement ongoing disaster relief activities.
According to Mitch Pribble, director of the Tucson Air Branch, three hoist-capable UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters and two CE550 Citation fixed-wing aircraft, along with 21 pilots and nine support personnel, departed Tucson today to provide assistance. “CBP’s participation is an integral part of the overall DHS response,” he said.
WASHINGTON– When Hurricane Matthew struck late last week, aircraft and crews from U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP), Air and Marine Operations (AMO) immediately launched across the country to assist with relief efforts.
the air assisting with relief efforts.
Three UH-60 Black Hawk crews and a C-550 Citation crew flew from Tucson, Arizona, to Columbia, South Carolina, while AS350 A-Star crews from Spokane, Washington, and Buffalo, New York, arrived to assist as well. Since Friday, they have collectively flown more than 220 hours throughout North and South Carolina.
AMO has two senior leaders serving as Air Operations Incident Commanders and liaisons for local emergency operation centers in Columbia, South Carolina — where the aircraft and crews are positioned — and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina.
The UH-60 crews are collecting aerial footage of damaged areas and the vicinity of levees, as North Carolina is forecasted to have extensive record flood waters for several more days. The AS350 crew is conducting a damage assessment analysis and the C-550 crew is providing logistical support flights as needed.
On October 9, an AMO DHC-8 aircrew from the Miami Air and Marine Branch evacuated and relocated 17 CBP personnel, their dependents, and a pet from Freeport, Bahamas, to Homestead Air Reserve Base due to significant damage to their homes and offices caused by Hurricane Matthew.
air and sea.
“Our sincerest thoughts are with those who have suffered a devastating loss during this time,” said Randolph D. Alles, Executive Assistant Commissioner for AMO. “The dozens of AMO employees, including pilots and support personnel, who are tirelessly supporting this effort are tangible examples of AMO’s commitment to serve and protect the American people.”
Amidst the ongoing hurricane relief AMO is conducting, they are also resuming operations at several offices, including those in Jacksonville, Florida; Miami, Florida; and St. Augustine, Florida.
For local updates on Air and Marine Operations, follow @CBPFlorida on Twitter.
VIDEO: Air and Marine Operations UH-60 Black Hawk crew
Air and Marine Operations is a federal law enforcement organization dedicated to serving and protecting the American people through advanced aeronautical and maritime capabilities.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) announced its next generation Coastal Interceptor Vessel (CIV) was recently named as one of WorkBoat Magazine’s Significant Boats of 2016.
Each year, WorkBoat unveils its ten Significant Boats and selects one as the Boat of the Year. The vessel’s owner, builder, and designer will be honored at the upcoming International WorkBoat Show to be held Dec. 1 in New Orleans.
“This is a remarkable honor and a symbol of our dedication and commitment to design and deploy a vessel that meets the needs of our agents,” said Randolph D. Alles, Executive Assistant Commissioner for AMO.
The CIV was manufactured by SAFE Boats International, and will be operated by Marine Interdiction Agents in coastal waters to combat maritime smuggling and defend the waterways along our nation’s borders from acts of terrorism. The vessel will provide agents with additional speed and maneuverability, and improve comfort and safety. It is equipped with a state-of-the-art marine navigational suite.
The history of AMO’s marine program dates back to 1789 when the United States established the U.S. Customs Service and deployed a fleet of vessels to patrol U.S. coastal waters and prevent the smuggling of contraband. AMO’s newest CIV, the Alexandria, is named after one of the early Department of Treasury collectorships. Today, AMO has approximately 1,660 federal employees, including 1,200 federal agents, 240 aircraft, and 300 marine vessels operating throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands.
To learn more about how AMO secures the maritime border, please check out this video.
Commissioner Edward E.
Young, Air and Marine
Operations
Edward E. Young is the Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations (AMO). AMO is a federal law enforcement organization dedicated to serving and protecting the American people through advanced aeronautical and maritime capabilities. With approximately 1,800 federal agents and mission support personnel, 240 aircraft, and 300 marine vessels operating throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands, AMO conducts its mission between ports of entry, in the air and maritime environments and within the nation’s interior.
Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Young has over 25 years of law enforcement experience. He began his employment with the former U.S. Customs Service in September 1990 as an Air Interdiction Officer in Albuquerque, New Mexico. During his tenure in Albuquerque he was assigned to several local and Federal taskforces, warrant entry teams and served as an instructor in aviation tactics and interdiction operations. In March 1997, he was promoted to an Enforcement Aviation Specialist assigned to the Customs National Aviation Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma where he served as the Program Manager for Foreign Operations involving U.S. Customs aviation personnel and assets. In May 2000, Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Young was selected as an Enforcement Aviation Operations Officer, within the Air and Marine Interdiction Division in Washington, D.C. In this role, he directed and advised field-level managers on planning and policy matters pertaining to Customs Air and Marine counter-drug and counterterrorism interdiction operations.
On March 1, 2003, the Department of Homeland Security established its investigative arm, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In April 2003 he was assigned to the ICE Assistant Secretary’s staff as the Air and Marine Advisor. The following November he was promoted to Supervisory Special Agent and undertook a diversified role within the agency, coordinating integration and transformation projects for all elements of the newly-created agency. Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Young returned to AMO in 2004 when he was selected as the Field Director, Albuquerque Air Branch. In 2006, he was relocated to Washington, D.C., and promoted to Director for Coastal Operations. Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner Young was later assigned to the Headquarters position of Deputy Director, Operations - Air, where he served until March 2011 when he was promoted to Executive Director, Operations. He served in this capacity until his appointment to Deputy Assistant Commissioner in January 2013. As Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner, he was responsible for providing law enforcement leadership and managing the direction of AMO’s daily activities. In this capacity, he was charged with supporting AMO Headquarters as it continues to build a nationally recognized air and marine force. In October 2016, he became the Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner.
Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Young received a Bachelors of Science degree in public administration and criminal justice from the University of Arizona in 1989. He attended the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in 1990, and participated in the Customs Leadership Institute in 2002. In 2008, Acting Assistant Commissioner Young was selected for the Customs and Border Protection Senior Executive Service (SES) Candidate Development Program. He was awarded his Office of Personnel Management SES certification in 2010. Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Young also completed the Department of Defense, National Defense University, Capstone in October 2012.
Captain suffering medical emergency and taking on water
Sault Ste. Marie, Mich - U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (AMO) agents assigned to the Sault Ste. Marie Marine Unit located a sailing vessel in the vicinity of Cockburn Island, Ontario, Canada after a MAYDAY call by the Canadian Coast Guard in Sarnia, Ontario.
The incident began at approximately 12:00 p.m. on October 11, when AMO Agents underway on a routine law enforcement patrol near Drummond Island, Michigan heard a MAYDAY call by the Canadian Coast Guard in Sarnia, Ontario asking for any assistance in locating the master of a sailing vessel who was suffering a medical emergency and was taking on water. Upon hearing the call the Marine Interdiction agents ceased their law enforcement patrol aboard their 33’ SAFE Boat and crossed into Canadian waters to render aid approximately 18 nautical miles into Canadian waters utilizing the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea or SOLAS.
At approximately 1:00 p.m., the AMO crew located the 30’ U.S. documented sailing vessel anchored near Cockburn Island with four-foot waves washing over the vessel’s stern and taking on water. The AMO Vessel embarked a crewman onto the distressed vessel to assess the master’s physical condition and stop the vessel from taking on water.
“This case is a testament to how well we work with our fellow law enforcement partners as well as our International partners when lives are at risk,” said Brandon Snader, Director Marine Operations, Great Lakes Air and Marine Branch. “I am just glad we were able to respond so quickly and assist in this incident in Canadian waters thanks to the laws and regulations of the SOLAS Convention.”
An Ontario Provincial Police patrol vessel arrived on scene at 1:30 p.m. with an EMT, and assumed control of the vessel and subject. Status of the victim is unknown at this time.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Air and Marine Operations (AMO) agents detected and intercepted a vessel Oct.12, with 123 pounds (56 kilos) of cocaine. Two men were arrested. The estimated wholesale value of the narcotics is $1.5 million.
patrols the Caribbean to detect smuggling
incidents.
Near midnight, a CBP DHC-8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft crew detected a small 23-foot wooden “yola” vessel with one outboard engine and two persons onboard, approximately northwest of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, heading eastbound.
“Air and Marine Operations is always vigilant of the Caribbean waters to detect and intercept smuggling attempts such as this one,” said Johnny Morales, Director, Air Operations for the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch.
The CBP AMO aircrew contacted Coast Guard Sector San Juan and AMO marine units to deploy, maintained surveillance of the vessel. ,
Shortly past midnight, AMO MIAs reached the vessel and ordered the men on board to stop. The vessel failed to heave and the men onboard started to throw packages into the water as the agents pursued.
Once the agents stopped the vessel, a USCG small boat crew and MIAs recovered a few packages from the water; that appeared to be contraband. MIAs apprehended the two men on board, who claimed to be Dominican Republic nationals.
The USCG destroyed the “yola” on scene. Both detainees were transferred to a USCG cutter for transport to the Mayaguez port, where they were transferred, along with the contraband, to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations Special Agents for prosecution and investigation.
AMO is a federal law enforcement organization dedicated to serving and protecting the American people through advanced aeronautical and maritime capabilities.
