Force from Above

Force from Above

Command approved giclee' print for Coast Guard Air Station HITRON. Limited Edition.

The United States Coast Guard's Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) is a specialized aviation unit with a core mission of combating illicit drug trafficking at sea. Recognizing that traditional Coast Guard cutters were often outmatched by high-speed smuggling vessels known as "go-fasts," HITRON was established as an innovative solution. The squadron's aircrews and precision marksmen operate from armed helicopters, primarily the MH-65 Dolphin, which are deployed aboard Coast Guard and allied ships. These crews are specially trained in the use of airborne force to intercept and stop smuggling vessels that refuse to comply with law enforcement warnings.

The mission extends beyond simply stopping boats. HITRON's efforts are a crucial part of the broader counter-narcotics strategy, serving as a frontline defense to prevent illegal drugs from reaching U.S. shores. The squadron's tactics, refined since its experimental origins in the late 1990s, involve a series of escalating actions, from visual and verbal warnings to firing warning shots and ultimately disabling the vessel's engines if necessary. In addition to its counter-drug role, HITRON also performs maritime homeland security missions, using its unique capabilities to provide armed aerial patrols and deter potential terrorist threats to the nation's ports and waterways. Their success has made them a model for other agencies and nations, embodying their motto, "Force from Above."

• 18x24" Giclee' print
• Signed and numbered by the artist
• Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity
• Ships carefully in a tube

*Please allow up two weeks prior to shipping