| Customs soars the skies in support of Operation Noble Eagle
By Paul F. Nelepovitz, Senior Special Agent, AMID Operations, Office of Investigations |
The ultimate responsibility for air defense lies with the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). With Customs capability to offer integrated air and marine law enforcement interdiction services, it only stands to reason that NORAD and Customs would join forces after the terrorist attacks on September 11, under Operation Noble Eagle, to guard U.S. skies against potential air threats. The Air and Marine Interdiction Division (AMID), Surveillance Support Branches (SSB), were the 'spearhead' of the Customs effort and the first to augment NORAD after the September 11 terrorist attacks. Customs provided over 25 percent of all domestic Airborne Early Warning (AEW) missions/coverage in Operation Noble Eagle in that first month. NORAD views Customs P-3 AEW aircraft as the mainstay support to their past, current, and future anti-terrorism operations.The aircrews and maintenance personnel have maintained launch-to-airborne response times anywhere from 3 hours to 60 minutes throughout the course of the 24/7 requirement. With a small number of Customs P-3 aircrews to fly four P-3AEWs, and an already packed work schedule, it has made this national task one of the most demanding Customs anti-terrorism operations.NORAD and Noble EagleCustoms role in Operation Noble Eagle is threefold. First, the four Customs P-3AEW aircraft are primarily supporting components under tactical control of NORAD. Second, the Tactical Air and Marine Branch air support provides surveillance and intercept support. Third, the Air and Marine Interdiction Coordination Center (AMICC) continues to play a critical role in the area of command, control, and communications in coordination and conjunction within NORAD's continental region. | Customs P-3 AEW aircraft provides support for Operation Noble Eagle
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The mission of AMID, established by congress in 1969, is to protect the nation’s borders and the American people from illicit drugs and other contraband. Air and Marine branches and units are strategically located along the southern border of the United States and in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The primary mission of these branches is to detect, sort, and intercept suspect air and marine targets.Ready to support other federal agencies, this partnership with NORAD enhances Customs mission on anti-terrorism. As the frontline of defense, Customs is providing air coverage for cities throughout the United States and protecting facilities of national interest. AMID's future anti-terrorism role will not only be to provide air coverage to major metropolitan areas, but also to support special security events, such as the 2002 Winter Olympics. |
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