By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

The Vehicle Theft Section of the Judicial Investigation Organization received the donation of a modified Ford F-150 vehicle and other tools to combat crime in Costa Rica.

The director of the office for Counter-narcotics, Citizen Security and Justice (INL), Chris Harris, delivered the donation valued at $100,000 to Leonardo González representative of the Judicial Investigation Organization.

In May 2018, Ford company reported the Ford F-150 was classified as the most popular vehicle among active and retired members of the U.S. military service, according to an analysis of the ex-military and active military personnel who use the car-buying service of the United Services Automobile Association.

"This honor reflects the 41 years of Ford's unwavering commitment to quality, durability, and endurance with its F Series as the best-selling truck in the United States and the 36th as the best-selling vehicle in the United States," said Ford company in its statement.

According to Jimmy Spears, an automotive analyst at USAA, Ford F-150 was the first purchase option in all branches of the United States Army.

"We are proud and honored that those who protect and defend our country choose the Ford F Series," said Todd Eckert, Ford truck marketing manager. "The high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy body of the F-150 is designed to serve customers who are accustomed to working in the harshest environments and who rely on the capability, durability, and functionality consistently offered by the concept: Built Ford Tough.”

Related to the most recent donation of special equipment, as AM Costa Rica reported on April, U. S. government displayed four helicopters that will be donated to Costa Rica in 2021.

The U.S. government and Costa Rican government displayed, the four UH-1rst (or UH-ONE) helicopters that will be donated to Costa Rica, and presented the Specialized Air Training Program that will be directed to personnel of the Air Surveillance Service.
 
The helicopters are, for a period of two years, in the charge of U.S. government, with the maintenance, spare parts purchase, and training of pilots and technicians in aeronautical maintenance of the Direction of the Air Surveillance Service of the Ministry of Public Security.

During this period, the government of Costa Rica, through the Air Surveillance Service, will assume the fuel costs.

In 2021 the helicopters will become the property of the government of Costa Rica, specifically under the Ministry of Public Security.

At the helicopter display were President Carlos Alvarado, the Minister of Public Security, Michael Soto, the director of the Air Surveillance Service, Juan Luis Vargas, the ambassador of the United States in Costa Rica, Ms. Sharon Day, the Secretary of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Richard Glenn, and the INL representative in Costa Rica, Christopher Harris.

"A few years ago it was not possible to have new helicopters available to the country for security work, today we show that it is possible," said President Carlos Alvarado.  "These are the helicopters with which, together with the government of the United States, we will carry out the Aerial Training Program directed to the Air Surveillance Service, which will serve for emergency assistance, humanitarian aid, transportation of equipment and patrols. "

The helicopters and training for the Costa Rican pilots are part of the Aerial Training Program of the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, which has been in partnership with Costa Rica for ten years.

U. S. Ambassador, Ms Sharon Day, said that this program is just one of the dozens of initiatives with which the U.S. government collaborates with Costa Rica on aspects of citizen security and strengthening the rule of law.

"Our assistance began long before the arrival of these helicopters and will continue long after the end of the two-year period," said Ambassador Day. "We are not bringing these four helicopters to Costa Rica to wish them good luck with them. This is a holistic program, focused on taking the logistics, maintenance, and administration to the next level that will support the long-term success of the SVA."

Mr. Richard H. Glenn, Deputy Secretary of INL, said that the U.S. continues to invest in the security services of Costa Rica because the country is a proven ally. "Year after year we see the effectiveness with which they use the tools and training that we help provide. Costa Rica shares with the U. S. the will and the sense of collective mission to face regional problems."

On March 11, the four UH-1st helicopters arrived in the country aboard a Boeing C-17 Globemaster, and will be used in emergency care, humanitarian aid, transport of equipment and personnel to remote areas, preventive patrols and in maritime and air surveillance. The aircraft will also be integral tools in the fight against drug trafficking.

The total value of this project is $48 million dollars and includes the four helicopters, their reconditioning, maintenance, spare parts and training for members of the Air Surveillance Service.

A UH-1st ( also know as UH-ONE) has a capacity for 13 people (three crew, 10 passengers), two engines, reaches a maximum speed of 205 kilometers per hour, have a load capacity of 7,306 pounds, with a coverage range of 182 nautical miles.

The Bell UH-1st (nicknamed the "Huey") is the first type of helicopter developed by Bell Helicopter Company produced for the United States military, and more than 16,000 have been built since 1960. More information on the new UH Helicopters can be reached at Bellflight.com*


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What other types of sophisticated equipment to fight against drug trafficking could the U. S. donate to Costa Rica?  We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to: news@amcostarica.com