Special Operations.Com
Drug Enforcement Agency
(DEA)
Aviation Operations
The DEA Office of Aviation Operations leads the air
war in the fight against illegal drugs. This means
employing aircraft in a variety of roles to support
domestic and foreign operations against drug traffickers.
As drug trafficking increased nationwide, it was evident
that drug traffickers had no boundaries. DEA recognized
the need to have mobility on land, air and sea.
Since its inception in 1971 under DEA's predecessor
agency, the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs,
the Office of Aviation Operations has grown from a
single aircraft to a fleet of 90 planes. The Office's
mission is to provide aviation support to operational
and intelligence elements within DEA; detect, locate,
identify and assess illicit narcotic related trafficking
activities in the United States and foreign countries;
and assist other federal, state and local law enforcement
agencies involved in the deterrence of illicit narcotics
related activities.
The Aviation Operations Center is headquartered on
a 12.3 acre site adjacent to Alliance Airport in Fort
Worth, Texas. Today, 103 Special Agent/Pilots are
based in various offices throughout the United States,
Central and South America. DEA pilots are experienced
criminal investigators as well as highly qualified
aviators.
The Office of Aviation Operations provides support
in surveillance, photographic missions and intelligence
gathering, undercover investigations, over-water search
and surveillance, and rapid deployment of personnel
and equipment.
