SCANNERS SHORTWAVE Vol.9 No10 Established 1984 October, 2004
[email protected] FEDS LAUNCH BORDER AIR PATROLS FROM patrol Lake Champlain and cross into the St. NEW YORK Lawrence River and other waterways as needed, PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — Beefed up air patrols according to Department of Homeland Security designed to intercept terrorists, drug smugglers and officials. illegal aliens along the nation's vast northeastern border will be launched from a base commissioned Two prop planes and two helicopters will be based Friday. at the new facility, along with some 40 people. On a demonstration helicopter run Friday, pilots ran a The new Air and Marine Operations facility at a quick, low loop to a stretch of border barely former Air Force base in the northeast corner of discernible amid an endless expanse of woods. But New York is one of five that will be responsible for flying at 580 feet, riders could zero in on individual tightening surveillance along the U.S.-Canadian people golfing or mowing lawns, as well as on cars border. rolling down the Northway. The first facility opened in August in Bellingham, Similar air patrols have been conducted along the Wash. Others are tentatively planned for near Mexican border for more than three decades. Detroit; Grand Forks, N.D. and Great Falls, Mont. The new northern bases are part of a larger effort National security is a main concern. But by homeland security officials to keep a closer eye Department of Homeland Security helicopter pilot on the largely unprotected border in the wake of the Dennis Del Grosso said agents on patrol are Sept.