April 7, 2008

OKLAHOMA CITY—U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine will dedicate its new national training facility at Will Rogers World Airport, Oklahoma City Friday. CBP deploys the world’s largest law enforcement air force to enhance homeland security and enforce immigration and customs laws.

Reporters and crews will be able to witness the official dedication and ribbon-cutting, get an up-close look at several surveillance planes and helicopters, and will tour the state-of-the-art training facility. Interviews can be arranged with air interdiction agents, trainers and Assistant Commissioner Michael C. Kostelnik, head of CBP Air and Marine.

CBP deploys more than 700 pilots and 267 aircraft to patrol the northern and southern U.S. borders, the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean off Southern California and Mexico as well as airspace extending to Central America. These air assets support CBP’s border security mission and assist other federal and state agencies and respond as needed to perform search, rescue and disaster relief.

What:                          

Dedication Ceremony, U.S Customs and Border Protection’s

National Aviation Training Center, Oklahoma City

When:                         

Friday, April 11, 10 a.m.

(TV setup begins 8 a.m.; informal tour 8:30)

Where:                        

Will Rogers World Airport

5600 Air Cargo Rd.

Oklahoma City, OK 73119

Who:                           

U.S. Sen. James M. Inhofe

U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin

CBP Assistant Commissioner Michael Kostelnik, Maj. Gen., USAF-Ret.

Questions/RSVP:         

Eric Blum, 202-344-1585; 703-298-8939 (cell), Eric.D.Blum@DHS.gov