Posted by the Office of Public Affairs
Today, as Secretary Napolitano speaks to a class of graduating Federal Air Marshals we take a quick look back at the FAMS half century history of service to the traveling public.
This year the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS) celebrates 50 years of service to the traveling public. After the first hijacking of a U.S. aircraft in 1961, President John F. Kennedy signed legislation to enhance the penalties for crimes committed aboard aircrafts in flight. To help enforce this act, FAA safety inspectors received additional training for duty aboard airlines. The first training class of inspectors were appointed and sworn-in by Attorney General Robert Kennedy in March of 1962.
After September 11, 2001 and the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, the service was rapidly expanded and became the law enforcement arm of the TSA.
Today, the FAMS continues to promote confidence in the nation’s civil aviation system through the effective deployment of Federal Air Marshals to detect, deter, and defeat hostile acts targeting U.S. air carriers, airports, passengers, and crews.
Watch this short video about the FAMS and their proud history of service: