During training exercises, the gunner’s mate aboard a helicopter sight his rifle on a boat suspected of carrying illegal drugs. He is a member of the Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) from Jacksonville, Fla. HITRON members undergo rigorous training to support counter-narcotics and homeland security missions. HITRON crews are often embarked on cutters patrolling the Drug Transit Zone, a six million square mile area, including the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and Eastern Pacific. US Coast Guard Art Program 2012 Collection, Ob ID # 201203, "Ready, aim, fire," James Consor, oil, 20 x 24
