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CBP Air and Marine Operations to Conduct First-Ever Test of UAS at San Angelo

Release Date
Thu, 01/28/2016

SAN ANGELO, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations will be testing the feasibility of operating an Unmanned Aircraft System Predator B, out of San Angelo Regional Airport, also known as Mathis Field.

CBP Air and Marine Operations began testing an Unmanned Aircraft System today at San Angelo Regional Airport.

CBP Air and Marine Operations began testing an Unmanned Aircraft System today at San Angelo Regional Airport.

The three- to four-week deployment, which began today, is a first-ever UAS deployment at a civilian airport. AMO aircrews normally operate the UAS above 18,000 feet, using Instrument Flight Rules, and while in constant communications with Air Traffic Control. AMO will operate the UAS in accordance with an approved Certificate of Authorization.

AMO conducts its law enforcement and homeland security missions at and beyond the nation’s borders. During this proof-of concept, AMO will operate the UAS from San Angelo and conduct its border security mission along the Texas border. AMO selected San Angelo because of its favorable weather conditions, central location and the existence of a current AMO operating location.

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.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021