Office of Air and Marine
Wikipedia on Answers.com:
Top
Office of Air and Marine
The Office of Air and Marine (OAM) is a federal law enforcement agency within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).[1] OAM is the world’s largest aviation and maritime law enforcement organization. It's mission is to protect the American people and nation’s critical infrastructure through the coordinated use of air and marine assets to detect, interdict and prevent acts of terrorism and the unlawful movement of people, illegal drugs, and other contraband toward or across the borders of the United States. Air and Marine Interdiction Agents are endowed with the authority to enforce Title 8 (Aliens and Nationality) and Title 19 (Customs) in addition to the general law enforcement powers bestowed upon Federal law enforcement agents.
This specialized law enforcement capability allows OAM to make significant contributions to the homeland security efforts of DHS, as well as to those of other Federal, State, local, and tribal agencies. To accomplish its mission, OAM employs over 1200 Federal Agents at 80 locations, operating more than 270 aircraft of 26 different types, and approximately 300 maritime vessels. It is one of four major offices operating under U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).[2]
|
Contents
|
History and Consolidation
In 1969, the U.S. Customs Service (USCS) established its aviation program, which became operational in 1971.[3]
In 1973, the USCS marine program was established with the acquisition of 5 vessels.[3]
In 1999, the USCS Air and Marine Interdiction Division (AMID) was formed by merging the aviation and marine programs.[3]
On March 1, 2003, due to fracturing of the U.S. Customs Service and Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) into several different agencies under the newly formed Department of Homeland Security, the Air and Marine Interdiction Division was transferred to the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), becoming the Office of Air and Marine Operations (AMO). The United States Border Patrol (USBP) and its aviation and marine assets were transferred from the INS to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
On October 23, 2004, ICE's AMO was transferred to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
On October 1, 2005, CBP integrated its AMO and Border Patrol aviation assets and personnel to more effectively accomplish its aviation missions, forming CBP Air.
On January 17, 2006, CBP consolidated all aviation and marine assets and placed them under the newly titled Office of Air and Marine, with responsibility for the entirety of CBP's aviation and marine programs, including training, safety standards, equipment, procurement, and maintenance.
Missions
Among OAM's many missions are anti-terrorism, countering smuggling, and stopping illegal immigration. The agency uses its aviation and marine assets to detect, interdict, and apprehend conveyances carrying terrorists, contraband, or illegal aliens. OAM also leverages its unique detection and interdiction capabilities to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the United States Coast Guard, the United States Border Patrol, Joint Interagency Task Force South, and other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
To accomplish its missions, OAM utilizes a multitude of fixed and rotary wing aircraft, as well as high speed blue water interceptors and utility vessels for strategic operations in high-risk areas. OAM also utilizes civilian versions of several military UAVs to patrol the U.S. border. [4]
Air and Marine Interdiction Agents work with both U.S. and foreign agencies and military forces to support their law enforcement efforts. Personnel and assets are deployed abroad to support DHS priorities, most notably training and counter narcotics missions.
Aviation Resources
The P-3 Airborne Early Warning (AEW) Detection and Monitoring (D&M) aircraft are the only law enforcement AEW aircraft in the world. They were developed to provide wide area search, increased command control, and communications capabilities.
OAM’s P-3s are high-endurance, all-weather, tactical turbo-prop aircraft, which are utilized primarily for long-range patrols along the entire U.S. border, and in source and transit zone countries, throughout Central and South America. The aircraft carries a crew of eight (pilot, copilot, flight engineer, and radar/sensor operators), are routinely sent on temporary duty to support the United States and foreign government initiatives to stem smuggling into the United States. With the escalation of terrorist threats and the commitment of DoD AEW assets in other regions of the world, OAM P-3s have also assumed a significant role in Homeland Security efforts.
Lockheed Orion P-3 Long Range Tracker (LRT)
The P-3 LRT aircraft are high-endurance, all-weather, tactical turbo-prop aircraft used by OAM to intercept and track airborne smuggling threats. With the escalation of terrorist threats and the commitment of DoD AEW assets in other regions of the world, OAM P-3s have assumed a significant role in Homeland Security efforts.
Key to the success of the P-3’s are their endurance, small deployment footprint, and extensive sensor array. The aircraft can operate from most 8,000-foot runways and carries a crew of eight (pilot, copilot, flight engineer, and radar/sensor operators). The aircraft are supported by a ground maintenance team of only three people.
OAM P-3 LRT aircraft often fly in tandem with the P-3 AEW. Used in this manner, the P-3 AEW detects and tracks multiple targets and the accompanying P-3 LRT long-range tracker, intercepts, identifies and tracks those suspect targets.
The Bombardier Dash 8 Q200 is a multirole patrol aircraft (MPA) equipped with multimode radar and electro-optical/infrared sensors that can detect and track maritime and surface targets. It can also be converted to a cargo configuration or into a 37-passenger aircraft, making it an ideal aircraft to respond to acts of terrorism, natural disasters and other emergencies.
The first OAM Dash 8 Q200 MPA was placed in service in August 2005 and was used extensively during the days following Hurricane Katrina to carry law enforcement officers, flight crews and other personnel, supplies and equipment to New Orleans. A second Dash 8 was delivered in mid 2006 and a third aircraft was delivered in February 2008. The fourth aircraft was delivered in December 2008.
OAM also utilizes Dash-8 Q300 MPAs. All OAM Dash-8's employ powerful surface search radar, cameras, advanced tracking software and other sensor equipment to secure America's maritime border. OAM's Dash-8's are widely recognized as some of the most capable and powerful maritime patrol aircraft in the world.
Cessna Citation II Interceptor aircraft are all-weather tactical jets used by OAM to intercept and track airborne drug smugglers and to enforce airspace security over critical venues. The Citation has also been used effectively in Panama, Honduras, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Mexico and Aruba.
OAM began utilizing the Cessna Citation in the late 1970s as a high-speed interceptor and tracker.
OAM’s Citation Interceptors, which fly with a crew of three (pilot, copilot, and sensor operator), have the ability to operate from remote landing strips. The Citation II were the first commercial aircraft fitted with fire-control radar from the USAF F-16 Falcon, to be used in a law enforcement capacity.
The Pilatus PC-12 is the single-engine turbo-prop aircraft that will replace the aging C-12 Huron aircraft currently in OAM’s fleet. The PC-12 combines the slow-speed capability of a Cessna 210 with the payload and high-speed capabilities of a C-12 Huron. These characteristics enable the Multirole Enforcement Aircraft to deploy rapidly and operate safely in remote areas.
These aircraft have enhanced the effectiveness and efficiency of OAM by providing:
1. Increased mission versatility, including air interdiction, aerial surveillance and logistical support
2. Removable sensor consoles and retractable state of-the-art EO/IR sensors
3. Reduced operating costs
Key to the success of the PC-12s, which fly with a crew of two (pilot and sensor operator), are their endurance, small deployment footprint, and extensive sensor array. The aircraft have short-field capabilities of mission take-off in 2,300 ft. and landing distance of 1,800 ft.
The Cheyenne III Interceptor are high-endurance, all-weather, tactical turbo-prop aircraft, designed for OAM specifically for long-range missions with fire-control radar from the USAF F-16 Falcon and FLIR. These aircraft, which fly with a crew of three (pilot, copilot, and sensor operator), can operate from remote landing strips and are utilized to intercept and track airborne smugglers.
The King Air, C-12C, and C-12M maritime surveillance aircraft are a medium range, twin turbo-prop aircraft used by CBP OAM. These aircraft support investigation and enforcement efforts by conducting surveillance, tracking, and intelligence missions with equipment specifically designed for missions, to include over water operations.
Their secondary mission is the logistical relocation of personnel, equipment, or evidence that is time critical to investigation and enforcement actions. As an interdiction tracker, this aircraft can play a role in drug interdiction missions when accompanied by the C-550 Interceptor or a P-3 flying as a radar platform or an Interceptor.
In September 2009 Sierra Nevada Corporation was awarded a competitive contract to provide Air and Marine Multirole Enforcement Aircraft (MEA) based on the Beechcraft King Air 350ER.[5]
The C-172/182 surveillance aircraft are short to medium-range, piston-powered aircraft used by the OAM to support investigative and enforcement efforts by conducting surveillance, tracking, photographic and intelligence gathering missions.
OAM’s C-172/182 surveillance aircraft, which fly with a crew of two (pilot and observer), are particularly effective platforms for law enforcement operations. They provide better range and endurance than helicopters and blend more effectively with local traffic to mask the presence of continuous air surveillance.
Cessna C-206/210 Turbo Centurion
The C-206/210 surveillance aircraft are short- to medium range, piston-powered aircraft used by CBP OAM to support investigative and enforcement efforts by conducting surveillance, tracking, photographic and intelligence gathering missions.
Their secondary mission is the logistical relocation of personnel, equipment or evidence that are time critical to investigative and enforcement actions.
OAM’s C-206/210 surveillance aircraft, which fly with a crew of two (pilot and observer), are very effective platforms for law enforcement operations outside of large metropolitan areas. They provide better range and endurance than helicopters and blend more effectively with local traffic to mask the presence of continuous air surveillance.
The Piper PA-18 aircraft are short- to medium-range, piston-powered aircraft used by OAM to support enforcement efforts by conducting tracking and general support for ground units.
PA-18 Light Enforcement aircraft have a standard crew of one Pilot and are effective platforms for law enforcement operations due to their ability to fly slow and loiter in an area for prolonged periods. They provide better range and endurance and blend more effectively with local traffic to mask the presence of continuous air surveillance.
Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk
UH-60A Black Hawk helicopters are long-distance, all weather, tactical apprehension aircraft used by the OAM to protect the American public from threats of terrorism and drug smuggling and to enforce airspace security over critical venues.
OAM’s UH-60As, which usually fly with a crew of three (pilot, copilot and crew members), are large, powerful helicopters, which can carry all the equipment and personnel necessary for law enforcement operations without sacrificing range and speed. In addition, they are well suited to the all weather hazardous environments in which OAM routinely operates.
AW-139 helicopters are long-distance, all weather, tactical apprehension aircraft used by the Office of Air and Marine to protect the American public from threats of terrorism and drug smuggling and to enforce airspace security over critical venues.
OAM’s AW-139s, which usually fly with a crew of three (pilot, copilot and crewmember), are large, powerful helicopters, which can carry all the equipment and personnel necessary for law enforcement operations without sacrificing range and speed. In addition, they are well suited to the all weather hazardous environments in which OAM routinely operates.
The UH-1 Helicopters are short- to medium-range, turbine-powered helicopters used by OAM to perform tactical and utility missions along the border.
The UH-1 heavy lift capability allows the aircraft to be support agents in high altitude and hot environments
OAM’s UH-1 Helicopter flies with a crew of 2 (pilot and copilot) and has a secondary mission to provide lift recovery, through external capabilities of drug seizures and equipment.
The AS-350 Surveillance Helicopters are medium-range, turbine-powered helicopters used by OAM to perform aerial reconnaissance of stationary or moving targets.
Light Enforcement Helicopters (LEH) are the optimal aerial surveillance platform in metropolitan areas because their vertical lift capability and maneuverability enable operations from off-airport sites and in close proximity to congested airports. EO/IR sensors and video downlink provide intelligence and communications support that enhance officer safety during high-risk operations and increase covertness during surveillance operations. Video recorders document suspect activities for evidentiary use. The AS-350s, which fly with a crew of two (pilot and observer), are one of the few helicopters that maintain their performance from sea level up to 9,000 feet.
MD-500 Light Enforcement Helicopters (LEH) are short- to medium-range, turbine-powered helicopters used by OAM primarily as a light observation helicopter for tracking and general support for ground units.
The MD-500 is a highly effective aerial surveillance platform in border areas. Its maneuverability enables operations from off-airport sites and in metropolitan areas.
OAM’s MD-500 Light Enforcement Helicopter flies with a crew of 1(Pilot).
EC-120 Helicopters are short-to-medium-range, turbine-powered helicopters which will be used by OAM primarily as a light observation helicopter for tracking and general ground unit support.
OAM’s EC-120 helicopter, which flies with a crew of 1 (Pilot), will provide a highly effective aerial surveillance platform in the border desert areas.
MQ-9 Predator B Unmanned Aircraft System
The MQ-9 Predator B Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) is a force multiplier for CBP and its border security mission. OAM UASs began their service by supporting Border Patrol Agents and CBP Officers on the U.S./Mexico border. In January 2009, UAS operations began on the U.S./Canadian border. In addition, it allows CBP to assist with non border related operations within other DHS organizations like the U.S. Coast Guard and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, such as search and rescue or disaster relief. OAM works closely with the Department of Defense to gain efficiencies in acquisition, testing, training and deployment of the Predator B.
CBP selected the Predator B for its large payload and ability to remain in the air longer than other UASs. CBP’s Air and Marine Operations Center (AMOC) in Riverside, CA provides command and control of the UAS through KU-band satellite communications.[6]
Retired OAM Aircraft
Hughes OH-6
McDonnell Douglas MD-600N
Marine Resources
The Office of Air and Marine employs over 360 Marine Interdiction Agents to coordinate the use of air and marine assets to detect, interdict, and prevent acts of terrorism and the unlawful movement of people, illegal drugs, and other contraband toward or across the maritime borders of the United States. OAM agents operate more than 300 vessels, including three different types of interceptor vessels: the 39-foot Midnight Express, 38-foot SAFE Boat, and 33-foot SAFE Boat.
Interceptor Class 39' Midnight Express
The 39-ft Midnight Express is an integral part of the CBP OAM’s efforts to stop maritime smuggling into the United States.
Working in conjunction with CBP OAM aviation assets, the Midnight Express operates in offshore coastal waters to combat maritime smuggling and protect U.S. ports from acts of terrorism.
The Midnight Express crews work in conjunction DHS, DOD and other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to accomplish the Homeland Security mission.
Interceptor Class 33' SAFE Boat
CBP OAM utilizes a 33-foot Secure-Around-Flotation-Equipped (SAFE) Boat, with fabricated marine-grade aluminum hulls and polyethylene closed cell foam collars. This characteristic provides the stability and the buoyancy of a ridged hull inflatable, with an unmatched durability and safety factor. These features make it ideal for performing law enforcement missions in rough seas and in areas congested with waterborne debris. The protective cabin area of the SAFE Boat has heat and air to protect the crews from the elements.
CBP OAM uses the SAFE Boats for the pursuing and boarding (inland and offshore) of vessels transiting in rough waters and locations with extreme weather conditions. The SAFE Boat crews work in conjunction DHS, DOD and other and other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to combat maritime drug smuggling and protect U.S. ports from acts of terrorism.
Coastal Enforcement Class 30' Intrepid
The Coastal Enforcement Class Vessels serve as a multi-purpose law enforcement vessel. The 30-ft Intrepid best fulfills this multi-mission requirement. The hull design makes it ideal for enforcement operations in shallow, inland and near coastal waters. The Intrepid can also be utilized for both covert and overt missions. The typical open fisherman type configuration allows the law enforcement crew to covertly survey illegal activity.
The vessel’s shallow draft allows for pursuit of smugglers who offload contraband in remote and shallow regions. The starboard-side dive door allows for easy pick-up of floating contraband.
The Intrepid meets the demands for a small, fast, highly maneuverable vessel that can be used to interdict, patrol, conduct surveillance and port security activities that are the missions of OAM.
Its versatility allows OAM to provide DHS, DOD, and other law enforcement agencies, viable and effective maritime law enforcement support.
See also
- United States Coast Guard
- Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron
- Office of Field Operations
- United States Border Patrol
References
- ^ http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/border_security/air_marine/
- ^ http://nemo.cbp.gov/obp/am_sfx.wmv
- ^ a b c http://www.cbp.gov/hot-new/pressrel/2001/0316-00.htm
- ^ http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/border_security/air_marine/uas_program/
- ^ http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Sierra-Nevada-Corporation-1053408.html
- ^ http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/border_security/air_marine/air/aviation_asset/
- ^ http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/border_security/air_marine/marine/
CBP Air and Marine
CBP Air and Marine Photo Gallery
CBP Air and Marine Careers
External links
This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
Related Videos:
Top
Office of Air and Marine
Post a question - any question - to the WikiAnswers community:
Copyrights:
Wikipedia on Answers.com
This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article Office of Air and Marine.
Read more