In this documentary series, we spoke with retired Chief Warrant Officer Ray Stobinski Jr. Stobinski was one of the first Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron gunners and shares what that role entailed. HITRON operations started as an experiment in 1998 to halt the flow of illegal drugs into the U.S. Drug trafficking organizations primarily used "go-fast" boats, high-speed smuggling vessels capable of traveling over twice the speed of Coast Guard cutters. The Coast Guard needed a way to counter the threat. In late 1998, six Coast Guard pilots and four enlisted aircrew members developed tactics and procedures to utilize armed helicopters operating aboard Coast Guard cutters to answer the call. HITRON helicopters operate in known smuggling vectors and rely on expertly trained aircrews and precision marksmen to disable go-fast drug smuggling vessels in the event suspects refuse to comply with verbal and visual warnings for law enforcement boardings under international maritime law. This series focuses on the founding members, pioneers, and stakeholders who have played an essential part in HITRON's history. U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 2nd Class Laura Dean and Petty Officer 3rd Class Sydney Phoenix.

Joint partnerships apply pressure to the flow of illicit drugs and weapons into the America's. U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Yadira Greeson follows in her father's footsteps and dismantles drug trafficking organizations.

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As the air component for U.S. Southern Command, Air Forces Southern provides support to the U.S. effort combating illicit drug trafficking. For one week in August, Air Forces Southern undertook a surge of its operations. Air Force bombers, air refueling tankers and intelligence personnel expanded their work with the U.S. Coast Guard and with Joint Interagency Task Force - South, the U.S. agency leading the fight against narco-traffickers. This renewed effort against illicit drug trafficking is collectively known as "Big Week".

Networked threats in Latin America pose a danger to U.S. national security. Two sailors represented the U.S. at the International Martial Arts Games in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Members of Joint Task Force Caiman help train Guatemalan army and national police in Jutiapa, Guatemala. U.S. Soldiers and Airmen act as advisors and trainers for the Guatemalan army and police, providing logistical and tactical training to combat organized crime and illegal drug trafficking. The advisory and training mission in Guatemala is meant to enhance theater-wide operational security and reinforce regional cooperation.

Tradewinds is a combined joint exercise that is conducted with partner nations to enhance the ability of their defense forces to counter transnational organized crime and conduct humanitarian and disaster relief operations. This year Tradewinds was hosted by the island nation of Antigua and Barbuda. Also available in high definition

The Puerto Rico National Guard recently hosted their local news media for a close-up and in-depth look at Operation Secure Front, a multi-agency effort to decrease illegal drug and arms trafficking on the island. Story by Pfc. Josue Rivera.