see also: in November 2007 News Releases:   CBP Officers Seize 50 Pounds of Cocaine, Three Pounds of Heroin, Guns & Ammo, Arrest 22 For Illegal Entry and Arrest 20 Fugitives During Two-Week Holiday Span at Laredo Port of Entry   Border Patrol Agents Arrest Convicted Sex Offender   Border Patrol Seizes One Ton of Marijuana at Sierra Blanca Checkpoint   Border Patrol Yields $3.7 Million in a Day’s Seizures   Border Patrol and Coast Guard Sign Cooperation Agreement   CBP Seized Cocaine Concealed in Suitcase   Border Patrol Agents Seize 5,450 Pounds of Marijuana Near Freer ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Yuma, Ariz. – A CBP Air Interdiction agent assigned to the Yuma Sector rescued a Marine Corps pilot after he ejected from his aircraft Tuesday night.

About 10:10 p.m., a CBP Air Interdiction agent patrolling in a CBP helicopter near the Barry M. Goldwater Range was contacted by Yuma Sector Communications regarding a request for assistance from the Marine Corps Air Station. A Marine pilot ejected from his aircraft, an AV-8B Harrier II, after it crashed in the bombing range.

At approximately 10:50 p.m., the Air Interdiction agent located the pilot and after assessing the situation advised dispatch that the pilot appeared to be in good condition. The CBP Air Interdiction agent transported the pilot to the Marine Corp Air Station’s medical facilities at the pilot’s request.

The Border Patrol is committed to assisting its shared-interest partners in the border environment and is proud to have been able to assist the United States Marine Corps in bringing this pilot to safety.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of the nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.