see also: in September 2002:   Japan Joins Container Security Initiative   Hong Kong Signs Declaration to Join U.S. Customs Anti-Terrorist Container Security Initiative   Singapore Signs Declaration to Join U.S. Customs Anti-Terrorist Container Security Initiative   U.S. Customs Statement on Change to Alert Level Orange   U.S. Customs Names Heffelfinger Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Field Operations   U.S. Customs Implements Enhanced Anti-Terror Sea Cargo Targeting at All U.S. Seaports

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WASHINGTON, DC-U.S. Customs aircraft today are flying missions above the nation's capital as part of a Department of Defense (DOD) operational deployment to safeguard the skies above the national capital region. U.S. Customs is providing seven aircraft, including three UH60 Black Hawk helicopters, three C550 Citations, and one C210.

Additionally, the U.S. Customs situation room is serving as the interagency airspace security coordination center during the deployment. The U.S. Customs Service Air and Marine Interdiction Coordination Center (AMICC) in Riverside, California, is monitoring the airspace over the United States. When suspect targets are identified, AMICC works closely with the FAA, FBI, Secret Service, and DOD to immediately counter any potential threat.

The aim of the deployment is to increase the radar and air defense posture in the national capital region. Late yesterday, the Secretary of Defense announced a transition of air defense assets from Exercise Clear Skies II into an Operation Noble Eagle deployment. The aim of Exercise Clear Skies II was to test and validate a multi-layered air defense system while also providing increased air defense of the national capital region during the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States. DOD plans to continue the exercise upon completion of the deployment.

The mission of the U.S. Customs Air and Marine Interdiction Division is to protect the nation's borders and the American people from illicit drugs and other contraband destined for the U.S. Since the events of September 11, U.S. Customs has played a key role in safeguarding the skies above the U.S.

In the weeks following the September 11 terrorist attacks, U.S. Customs devoted its fleet of radar-equipped P-3 Advanced Early Warning aircraft to support DOD in ensuring airspace security over the country. The U.S. Customs P-3s flew radar and tracking missions over the country in support of the Pentagon. Earlier this year, U.S. Customs aircraft provided airspace security during the Olympics in Salt Lake City.