Photographer’s Perspective: Aerial Patrol Along U.S. Border
WESLACO – U.S. Air and Marine pilots take to the skies to patrol one of the highest flight hour sectors under their watch.
KRGV’s photojournalist, Sergio Puente, experienced what it takes to help stop illegal activity on the border.
David Cano, a 1-year pilot with CBP, gave local news agencies the opportunity to ride along.
“What I’m going to do is I’m just going to cut here and follow this river," said the pilot
Puente captured the sound as the Air and Marine Operations helicopter got ready for takeoff.
“So the hardest part of my job is to see somebody pass away. I know if they would’ve seeked help they could’ve made it through,” Cano said.
The pilot said he will land a chopper in the middle of the field to save a life if he has to.
“Like if they’re here in the middle, the ambulance is going to have to drive up here. It’s going to take them a while,” he explained. “So, I’ll put it down in any one of those little spots. In this case, I would land and take them straight to McAllen Medical Center.”
Cano said his favorite part is working in Air and Marine.
“Obviously, flying this machine and being law enforcement,” he said.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is divided into three branches: Border Patrol, Air and Marine and Field Ops.