Stephanie Talton, Deputy Assistant Commissioner | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Air and Marine Operations (AMO) recently conducted two mountain rescues in challenging terrains on consecutive days. The operations took place in Arizona and Washington State.
On September 29, a Bellingham Air and Marine Branch H125 A-Star aircrew responded to a Search and Rescue request for a climber who suffered a compound fracture while navigating Mount Baker. The crew located the climber on a glacier above 8,000 feet and coordinated with local SAR ground teams. A U.S. Navy SAR team completed the rescue.
"Our Air and Marine Agents are dedicated to saving human lives every day," stated Keith M. Jones, Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner of Air and Marine Operations. "These mountain rescues are the direct result of the commitment of the aircrews who did not stop searching for them despite extremely challenging conditions."
Jason M. Kumle, Deputy Director of CBP’s Bellingham Air and Marine Branch, noted, "The harsh conditions of Mount Baker require our crews to remain highly trained to respond." He added that aviation expertise was crucial in locating the climber at such high altitudes.
The following day, a Yuma Air Branch AS350 A-Star aircrew rescued a man reported as deceased after being left behind by his group. The crew tracked footprints believed to be his and found him face down on the ground suffering from severe dehydration. Upon spotting the aircraft, he raised his hand, prompting an immediate landing by the aircrew with medical personnel onboard.
AMO plays a critical role in national security through its aviation and maritime law enforcement capabilities across various regions including Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. With around 1,800 federal agents supported by mission personnel operating 240 aircrafts and 300 marine vessels nationwide, AMO is recognized as an expert in airborne and maritime law enforcement.
In Fiscal Year 2024 alone, AMO's efforts led to over 1,010 arrests along with apprehensions of more than 48,609 undocumented individuals. They also seized or disrupted significant quantities of illegal substances including cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine as well as weapons amounting up to $12.3 million.
U.S Customs & Border Protection stands as America's frontline defense—the largest law enforcement body globally—ensuring safety through innovative strategies while fostering economic prosperity via secure travel/trade facilitation alongside collaborative intelligence sharing measures across borders worldwide.
