SAN ANGELO, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations Unmanned Aircraft System Predator B will return to San Angelo, for a 14-week deployment, beginning January 17.
The first-ever UAS deployment at a civilian airport was a four-week feasibility test conducted in January and February, 2016, at San Angelo Regional Airport, also known as Mathis Field. AMO is returning to San Angelo for its favorable weather conditions, central location, the existence of a current AMO operating location and the success of last year’s deployment.
During this deployment, AMO crews will continue to conduct their border security mission along the Texas border. AMO operates the UAS to increase domain awareness in the land and maritime environments. Domain awareness is the observation of the operating environment, and the information gathered through a network of sensors. During UAS operations, AMO crews use cutting-edge systems technology and real-time networked data dissemination and exploitation to detect, identify, monitor, and coordinate a response with law enforcement partners to threats at the nation’s border regions and approaches to the United States.
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 Federal Aviation Administration Certificate of Authorization.