U.S. Customs Border Patrol Dedicates New Yuma Air Facility

Posted: Jun 07, 2012 6:35 PM PDT Updated: Jun 07, 2012 6:42 PM PDT
by Janet Avelar, Reporter

It was an exciting time for the Yuma Air Branch and members of the U.S. Customs Border Patrol, today, as a new air facility is dedicated. It is the first one in Yuma and makes those who go above and beyond to protect our border extremely proud.

"It's been a great day its been a long day coming this over five years of hard work to get to this point, we are all very proud of this facility." Says Mark Miles, Director of Air Operations, Yuma Air Branch.

The new air facility is an eight point five acre aviation complex. It has administrative, maintenance and hangar space as well.

A fourth airport owned building is also located in the complex with two newly constructed air hangars. There are also shop spaces to accommodate operations twenty-four hours a day.

The project has been years in the making and those who helped with the construction of the facility say they are pleased with the results.

"Seeing the users, U.S. Border Patrol and the enhancement of the community, it is really the best part of what we do." Says Edward Fagin, Principal Architect at Architecture West.

Agents say a facility like this one will help make their job more effective.

"There are a lot of air assets that we utilize in the field so the better the facility, the better they can assist the U.S. Border Patrol." Says, Border Patrol Agent, Joel Cruz.

Those who were involved in the project say facilities like this one will help keep the South Western area of Arizona safe."

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