Political Quotes

“I rise in support of H.R. 2443, the Coast Guard and Marine Transportation Act of 2003. This legislation highlights the need to expand our Coast Guard aviation assets to fight the war against drugs. I strongly support the provision in this measure which permits the Coast Guard to establish a West Coast fleet of HITRON drug interdiction helicopters. This provision will afford the Coast Guard the opportunity to select a new state-of-the-art, multi-mission helicopter to assist in its drug interdiction efforts. The HITRON MH-68A Sting Ray was designed, built, and maintained by the Agusta Aerospace facility in Philadelphia. Constructed on the frame of an A109E Power civilian helicopter, the Sting Ray employs state-of-the-art navigation, communication, and avionics equipment. In 2000, eight Sting Rays were leased to the Coast Guard for the purpose of establishing an armed HITRON Squadron in Jacksonville, specifically for drug interdiction efforts. This Fleet has enjoyed a fabulous success rate in its missions. HITRON aircrews have interdicted 30 tons of illegal drugs on the high seas valued at more than $2.1 billion. In addition, the Sting Ray is the only Homeland Security helicopter authorized for airborne use of force over civilian populations. Since September 11, the Sting Rays have also been pressed into port security service for all U.S. ports and associated waterways.”