Elias Palma

• Series 1801; GS12
• As a Marine Interdiction Agent assigned to the San Diego Branch, I worked as a Vessel Commander with certification on all vessel platforms,transmission, and engine configurations to include; Willard,Zodiac,SafeBoat,Intrepid,Fountain,Nor-Tech,and Midnight Express
• Mission tasking encompassed the prevention of the entry of terrorists and their weapons of terrorism, arresting illegal aliens and drug smugglers, and preparing a variety of casework, both criminal and administrative in nature.
• Responsible for commanding and controlling marine assets in a proactive defensive posture, in order to safeguard specific potential targets within a maritime environment, including national special security events, elevation of national threats, local threats and critical infrastructure.
• I facilitated a critical role in the prosecution of drug smugglers, and the seizure of vessels and subsequent casework
• I participated in multi-agency operations, and I worked in conjunction with the USCG, San Diego Harbor Police, and the ICE led Marine Task Force
• I engaged surveillance, investigations, water rescues, and report preparation
• I testified in federal court in criminal proceedings, generated and utilized intelligence reports, and participated in extensive interdiction related activities, enforcing titles 8, 18, 19, and 21 along the United States/Mexico International Boundary off the coast of California
• As the most senior Marine Instructor (MI) of the unit, I was responsible for training all of the current Marine Instructor cadre at the San Diego Marine Unit, who in turn are now currently providing maritime training to new agents on all agency policies, vessel procedures, vessel systems, and processes.
• Innovated and developed new strategies for teaching vessel close quartering, and driving techniques that are still being currently used by National Marine Training Center (NMTC).
• Implemented performance metrics to monitor the progress and success of new agents at the San Diego Marine Unit.
• Proven track record in maritime law enforcement vessel training, enriching agents' capabilities through dynamic instruction and tactical scenario integration. Energetic and goal-oriented individual with a charismatic leadership style and proficiency in managing and leading teams.
• I routinely attended Working Groups and gained extensive insight into vessel requirement directorates on a national level.
• Assigned as lead Marine Accident Investigator (MAI) I held certificates well beyond the AMO standard including the Completion of University of Southern California, AVIATION SAFETY AND SECURITY PROGRAM.
• Performed numerous national mishaps investigations representing Air and Marine Operations (AMO). As the lead MAI, I authored and prepared national mishap reports and briefings to present to AMO senior leadership. The mishap report findings, contributing factors, probable cause, and recommendations were all subsequently signed off by the Executive Director to include CBP Commissioners.
• I served as the Acting Supervisory Marine interdiction Agent (SMIA) for the San Diego Air and Marine unit numerous times.
• I provided subject matter expertise in high level meetings as part of the preparation phase for our new Coastal Interceptor Vessels (CIV). I also participated,applied technical expertise, knowledge, and writing ability to the Operational Requirements Document for the agency's new Concept Coastal Interceptor Vessel.
• I conducted site visits on behalf of the National Marine Center (NMC) of vessel manufacturers where I scrutinized facilities and manufacturing capability to ensure that the company produced a worthy vessel to meet the complexity of CBP Air and Marine operational demands.
• I served as the Marine Safety Officer (MSO) for the San Diego Air and Marine Branch from 2008 until retirement. While in this role I was responsible for implementing Safety Management Systems, Risk Analysis, and Human Factors to the San Diego Marine Unit's core mission sets. This collateral duty required me to prepare and lead quarterly safety meetings. I created custom PowerPoints to augment my presentations tailored to the specific knowledge level of the audience as a means of presenting the most professional briefs possible.
• Maintained weapon proficiency in the 95-100% range for 28+years.
• Received a Versant Spanish test overall score of 79 out of 80.
• Served as a Guest instructor at the National Marine Training Center (NMTC) St. Augustine, Florida.
• Key Accomplishments :
• I received numerous Commendation Awards for superior law enforcement performance, exceptional service and dedication to include a CBP Commissioner Award.
• Marine Interdiction Agent ( Marine Instructor ) GS-12 Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Air and Marine Operations (AMO), San Diego
• Marine Interdiction Agent ( Marine Accident Investigator ) GS-12 Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Air and Marine Operations (AMO), San Diego
• Marine Interdiction Agent ( Marine Safety Officer ) GS-12 Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Air and Marine Operations (AMO), San Diego
• Fluent in Spanish.
• Successfully completed , National Association of State, Boating, Law, Administrators (NASBLA) Comprehensive Boating Accident Investigation Course
• Completion of University of Southern California, AVIATION SAFETY AND SECURITY PROGRAM.
• Completed National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Marine Accident Investigation course.

Current citation holder for the most total Customs and Border Protection (CBP) underway hours by an agent at 12,565.3

Series 1896; GS11

• As a Senior Patrol Agent, I was attached to the Marine Interdiction Unit (MIU). The MIU was part of a multi-agency drug interdiction task force whose primary mission was counter drug and terrorism operations in the maritime theatre. Our main focus and daily operations entailed the interdiction of vessels coming from abroad in an attempt to smuggle undocumented immigrants, drugs,contraband, and to safeguard potential targets within our local maritime environment. I worked as a Vessel Commander with certification on all vessel platforms.

I Participated in a rigorous four-week training program at Imperial Beach and Naval Amphibious Base Coronado that included testing and evaluation by Seal Team 3. I also participated and instructed in a several three-week training programs at Imperial Beach that included testing and evaluation by Operational Detachment Alpha 715- 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne). This training incorporated areas of marine related law enforcement operations and tactics.

While detailed to the MIU, I was involved in a numerous water rescues, illegal immigrant apprehensions, vessel search and rescue missions, drug seizures,National Special Security Events,vessel seizures, and multi-agency training. All of these activities required extensive knowledge of immigration law and maritime law enforcement expertise.

Key Accomplishments:

• As a member of the MIU, I attended and graduated the Marine Law Enforcement Training Program (MLETP) where I was chosen as class president.
• I was selected to participate in the Marine Task Force (MTF) a multi-agency drug interdiction task force lead by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
• As a Senior Patrol Agent on the Marine Unit I was responsible for future class evaluations and agent instruction.
• I attended the Maritime Captain School and applied for and subsequently received a Master Near Coastal 100 Gross Tons License.

• Series 1896; GS 5/9
• Patrolled coastal waterways and international boundary in vehicles, watercraft to identify and apprehend people attempting unauthorized border crossings.
• As a Border Patrol Agent assigned to the Imperial Beach Station, I performed all aspects of the job,and enforced the laws of the United States specified in Titles 8, 18, 19, 21, and 26 of U.S Code.