Office of CBP Air



The stated mission of the Office of CBP Air and Marine is to protect the American people and critical infrastructure by using an integrated and coordinated air and marine force to detect, interdict, and prevent acts of terrorism arising from unlawful movement of people, illegal drugs and other contraband moving toward or crossing the borders of the United States. As of September 2007, it is one of four major offices operating under U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Consolidation
On October 1, 2005, CBP integrated its aviation assets, programs and personnel into one organization to more effectively accomplish its aviation missions. With over 500 pilots and 250 aircraft, CBP Air and Marine is the largest law enforcement air force in the world.

On January 17, 2006, CBP consolidated all marine assets, program and personnel and placed them under the newly titled Office of CBP Air and Marine, with responsibility for marine training, safety and standards, equipment, vessel procurement and maintenance. The marine program has approximately 200 vessels, including 39-foot Midnight Interceptors and two models of Safe Boats.

Operations
CBP uses its aviation assets for anti-terrorism, to staunch drug smuggling, and for additional missions in support of the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Joint Interagency Task Force-South, and other federal, state and local law enforcement partners.

CBP uses its marine force to apprehend unauthorized vessels carrying contraband or illegal aliens. CBP’s marine program employs vessels including blue water, interceptor, and utility vessels. These are used for strategic operations in high-risk entry areas. CBP marine crews also work with other U.S. agencies, and military forces of other nations to support their law enforcement efforts, especially in their counter-narcotic programs.

The CPB's Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office utilizes civilianized versions of several military UAVs for border patrol, including the Hermes, the RQ-5 Hunter and the MQ-9 Reaper.

Current Aircraft
Current aircraft of CBP Air is listed below. Note: This information comes from a non-official site and therefore may not be accurate.