Air border patrols get boost with new helicopters

BY NICOLE E. SQUIBBS, SUN STAFF WRITER
Jan 16, 2007

The new aircraft signals the opportunity for CBP to patrol the border from the air longer, and to respond to incidents more quickly. The older helicopters had high maintenance requirements because parts were no longer made for them.

The new aircraft also have a huge addition that will make local pilots happy in about four months — air conditioning.

Air Interdiction Agent Joe Dunn said they will probably be in the air about 50 percent more than they are now with the old model.

He compared it to driving your father's 1950 Chevy your whole life and then getting a brand new Porsche.

Dunn said that the way they used to fly in the summer was by constantly drinking water and flying with the doors removed.

Yuma Sector Chief Patrol Agent Ronald Colburn said the new aircraft will allow missions to be "completed safely, reliably and comfortably." He said there will be "less downtime and a more rapid response when air assets are needed."