CBP reorganizes air, marine programs

CBP reorganizes air, marine programs    U.S. Customs and Border Protection said it has completed the consolidation of its air and marine assets under a single office.
   CBP Air and Marine has 71 vessels, 250 aircraft and more than 500 pilots whose job is to stop the illegal movement of people or contraband across the border. CBP says it has the largest law enforcement air force in the world. CBP interceptor and other vessels are stationed along both coasts as well as in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
   The border security agency completed the integration of its aviation assets in October and now has combined the marine forces under a unified organization. A centralized office is expected to increase the efficiency of deployments, training, procurement and maintenance.
   In conjunction with the reorganization, CBP announced the creation of two new marine positions — the CBP Marine Interdiction Agent and the Border Patrol Agent (Marine).