Gov. Perry Announces Deployment of Texas Military Forces Helicopters To Support Border Security Efforts

Aviation Assets Deter and Detect Crime

AUSTIN - Gov. Perry today announced the deployment of Texas Military Forces
OH-58 Kiowa and UH-72 Lakota helicopters as part of the first phase of the
state's spillover violence contingency plan, which he activated on Tuesday.
These aviation assets, which will help local law enforcement deter and
detect crime along the border, will operate between Brownsville and El Paso,
however the number and exact location will not be disclosed for operational
security purposes.

"As we continue to increase our resources and personnel along the border to
combat the threat of spillover violence, we are deploying multiple Texas
Military Forces helicopters to the Texas-Mexico border to increase aerial
surveillance," Gov. Perry said. "These resources, along with Texas
Department of Public Safety aviation assets, are vital to gathering
information from a bird's eye view and relaying important intelligence back
to local, state and federal law enforcement on the ground to ensure the
safety of our citizens."

These aviation assets will complement those already deployed to the border
by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Their capabilities include forward
looking infrared imagery, video data link / streaming and a high power
illumination system, "Night Sun."

Additional measures being taken during the first phase of the state's
spillover violence contingency plan include increased surveillance of border
activity by state and local law enforcement, the Texas Border Security
Operations Center, and the Joint Operational and Intelligence Centers to
ensure the timely sharing of intelligence information; increased ground, air
and maritime patrol presence; and increased intensity of day and night DPS
helicopter patrol operations along the Rio Grande River. Additional
resources ready for rapid deployment have been placed on standby, including
DPS SWAT Teams and Trooper Strike Teams, as well as Ranger Recon Teams
prepared to reposition based on threat.

A porous border places Texas and the nation at risk from international
terrorists, organized crime cartels and transnational gangs. Until the
federal government fulfills its responsibility of securing our border, Texas
will continue filling in the gaps by putting more boots on the ground,
providing increased law enforcement resources and leveraging technology
along the border.

Gov. Perry has a standing request with the federal government for 1,000
Title 32 National Guardsmen to support civilian law enforcement efforts to
enhance border security in Texas, as well as a more recent request for
predator drones to be based in and operate over the Texas-Mexico border to
provide essential information to law enforcement on the ground.