WASHINGTON – On January 17, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) celebrated the 10-year anniversary of Air and Marine Operations (AMO)—the specialized component critical to interdiction, investigation, domain awareness and contingency operations and national tasking missions. Since its creation in 2006, AMO’s efforts have been to serve and protect the American people through advanced aeronautical and maritime capabilities.
“I am proud to serve alongside some of the finest, most experienced, and highly qualified men and women within U.S. Customs and Border Protection,” said AMO’s Assistant Commissioner, Randolph D. Alles. “AMO is the outstanding organization it is today because of the professionalism and dedication of our people.”
The creation of AMO merged CBP’s air and marine assets into one collective organization. This joining of forces paved the way for AMO to make a significant impact in defending our nation’s borders, including their Fiscal Year 2015 contribution to 4,485 arrests, 51,130 apprehensions and the seizure or disruption of 719,549 pounds of marijuana, 230,579 pounds of cocaine, and 1,427 weapons.
AMO has approximately 1,800 federal agents, officers, specialists, and administrative staff; 250 aircraft; and 280 boats. This force is highly-effective in detecting and apprehending criminals in diverse environments at and beyond U.S. borders.