Tue, May 27, 2003
The Commander of US Coast Guard Atlantic, Vice
Admiral James Hull, formally commissioned a new Helicopter
Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON), at a ceremony on Monday,
May 19, at the Cecil Commerce Center in Jacksonville, Florida. That
unit is now one of many elite Coast Guard elements charged with
protecting America's borders and waterways by using armed force
from helicopters. In fact, the Coast Guard HITRON squadron is
America’s first and only airborne law enforcement unit that
is trained and authorized to employ airborne use of force.
HITRON was initially given the mission of interdicting and
stopping drug-laden, high-speed vessels known as
“go-fasts” in the Caribbean, and more recently the
Eastern Pacific Ocean. The MH-68A helicopters employed by HITRON
are the newest helicopters in the U.S. Coast Guard inventory and
are capable of cruise speeds of up to 140 knots. The actions of the
men and women of HITRON have been instrumental in stopping over 25
tons of illegal drugs, worth over $1.5 billion dollars, from
reaching America’s neighborhoods.
Due to HITRON’s unique capabilities and training, the unit
was additionally tasked to develop Airborne Use of Force tactics to
counter possible terrorist threats to the United States.
“HITRON will be a highly effective tool available to the
leadership of the Homeland Security Department and the U.S. Coast
Guard in the continuing national effort to prevent illegal drugs
from entering the United States and to prevent terrorism in our
homeland,” said Capt. Walter Reger, Commanding Officer.
“The use of Coast Guard HITRON for armed patrols will
increase the level of security in our ports, provide an additional
layer of defense, ensure continued safe flow of commerce and deter
possible acts of terrorism in our nation’s key ports,”
said Secretary Ridge.
More News
Aero Linx: International Business Aviation Council Ltd IBAC promotes the growth of business aviation, benefiting all sectors of the industry and all regions of the world. As a non->[...]
"During the annual inspection of the B-24 “Diamond Lil” this off-season, we made the determination that 'Lil' needs some new feathers. Due to weathering, the cloth-cove>[...]
Also: Bushcat Woes, Hummingbird 300 SL 4-Seat Heli Kit, Carbon Cub UL The newest Junkers is a faithful recreation that mates a 7-cylinder Verner radial engine to the airframe offer>[...]
Also: Seaplane Pilots Association, Rotax 916’s First Year, Gene Conrad After a decade and a half of struggling with the FAA and other aero-politics, G100UL is in production a>[...]
Also: Martha King Scholarship, Montaer Grows, Textron Updates Pistons, FlySto The FAA is hiring thousands of air traffic controllers, but the window to apply will only be open for >[...]