1. What is OAM?
   The Office of Air and Marine is the world’s largest aviation and maritime law enforcement organization. Its mission is to protect the American people and Nation’s critical infrastructure through the coordinated use of integrated air and marine forces to detect, interdict and prevent acts of terrorism and the unlawful movement of people, illegal drugs and other contraband toward or across the borders of the United States.
2. When was OAM founded?
   In 2006, CBP announced the integration of its marine and air assets, creating OAM; however, the United States has had a long history of defending its borders through air and marine interdiction. See our full history.
3. Who is the head of OAM?
   The Assistant Commissioner of OAM is Michael C. Kostelnik. See his biography here.
4. How is OAM organized?
   In the field, OAM is organized into air and marine branches operating in over 70 locations in the United States. In addition to these branches, OAM also operates several operations and domain awareness centers. OAM Headquarters is located in Washington, DC.
5. How many people work for OAM?
   OAM employs just under 2,000 personnel, including more than 1,200 federal law enforcement agents and officers.

Operations

1. Where does OAM operate aircraft/vessels?
   OAM aircraft and vessels are deployed at the Southwest border between the United States and Mexico, along the Southeast littoral border, along the Northern border between the United States and Canada, in the Caribbean, and in the source and transit zones of Central and South America.
2. What function does OAM play on the U.S./Mexico border?
   OAM supports the Border Patrol, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and other federal, state and local enforcement agencies. OAM also works in collaboration with the Government of Mexico in addressing border security issues.
3. What is the difference between “drone” and UAS/UAV?
   Contrary to its popular nickname, the CBP Predator B is not a “drone,” which operates under pre-programmed set of instructions. OAM’s Predator B UAVs are remotely piloted aircraft, operated in real-time, by CBP’s skilled Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified law enforcement personnel from state of the art ground control stations.
4. Why does OAM need UAVs/UASs?
   UAVs/UASs are capable of flying longer hours continuously, can fly farther, and because they are unmanned, are not limited by pilot fatigue. The Predator B and the Maritime Variant Guardian allow CBP to conduct missions in areas that are difficult to access or otherwise considered too high-risk for manned aircraft or personnel on the ground.
   • Altitude: Up to 50,000 feet (15,240 m)
   • Endurance: Up to 20 operational hours
   • Airspeed: Over 220 knots (407 km/hr)
   • External Payload: 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)
5. Does OAM have the authority to investigate crimes?
   OAM provides investigative air and marine support to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as well as other federal, state, local, and international law enforcement agencies.
6. What does OAM do with the information and evidence gathered during an investigation?
   OAM normally turns over all evidence required for prosecution to the supported agency’s case agent.
7. If an individual is being sought for committing a crime, what assistance can OAM render to locate the fugitive?
   OAM aircraft and vessels act as law enforcement force multipliers during day or night fugitive searches by quickly searching wide areas, using night vision or radar technology if required.
8. What are the various functions of the OAM uniform?
   OAM’s uniform establishes professional officer presence to the general public, to other law enforcement officers, and to criminals and potential criminals. It also enhances workforce esprit de corps and professionalism. OAM uniforms also protect our officers while operating in aircraft and vessels.
9. Do you work for the Border Patrol or the U.S. Coast Guard?
   Like the Border Patrol, OAM is an operational component of CBP. CBP works with (not for) the U.S. Coast Guard, both as components of the Department of Homeland Security.
10. How does OAM differ from the U.S. Coast Guard?
    In general, OAM’s law enforcement authorities extend to the U.S. customs waters and land/riverine border environments, while the U.S. Coast Guard’s law enforcement authorities extend from U.S. waterways and marinas outward into international waters. Both operate marine and air assets, however. Unlike OAM, the U.S. Coast Guard can use its Title 10 authority to operate as a member of the armed services under military chain of command.
11. How does OAM differ from the Border Patrol?
    Like OAM, the Border Patrol is an operational component of CBP. The Border Patrol is responsible for securing the U.S. land and riverine borders between the ports of entry. OAM operates under the tactical control of Border Patrol along the land and riverine borders, providing day and night air and marine support to Border Patrol agents.
12. How does OAM work with other agencies/military?
    OAM routinely provides air and marine support to other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. OAM works with the United States military in joint international anti-smuggling operations and in support of National Security Special Events. In the Northern and Southern Border environments, OAM maintains tactical control.
13. How does OAM work in the Middle East?
    OAM volunteer personnel may participate in CBP border support team temporary duty assignments in the Middle East.
14. What are National Security Special Events and what is OAM’s role?
    National Security Special Events include the Olympics, Presidential inaugurations, State of the Union addresses, and the Super Bowl. OAM supports federal, state, and local partners to maximize all agencies’ law enforcement capabilities.
15. What is OAM’s jurisdiction inside the United States?
    National Security Special Events include the Olympics, Presidential inaugurations, State of the Union addresses, and the Super Bowl. OAM supports federal, state, and local partners to maximize all agencies’ law enforcement capabilities.

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