Washington, D.C. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Air and Marine received the first of 10 EC120 helicopters today from American Eurocopter. Representatives from the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, other state government officials, and local business and industry leaders attended the ceremony at American Eurocopter’s plant in Columbus, Mississippi.  

“The addition of the EC120 is an important step in our efforts to modernize CBP Air and Marine fleet of aircraft in order to accomplish our mission, said Michael Kostelnik, Assistant Commissioner, CBP Air and Marine. “These aircraft will improve our capabilities along the Southwest border as part of our mission to provide critical support to Border Patrol agents on the frontline.”  

The new aircraft will replace the current light observation helicopters (LOH), the Hughes OH-6, in the A&M inventory. These helicopters, also known as “sign cutting” aircraft, because they provide CBP pilots the ability to spot footprints from the air, will be used to support the Border Patrol’s core mission, securing the border. The EC120 was selected due to its excellent visibility, its quiet technology, effective maneuverability, and enhanced safety features. To make the aircraft more capable for its border security mission, they will be equipped with special night vision goggle capable interior lighting, a powerful external searchlight and advanced communication equipment.  

CBP will take delivery of the next nine EC120s between mid-August 2006 and April 2007. The aircraft will be deployed along the border with Mexico in western Texas and New Mexico.

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 our 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.

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