Over the years the men and women who risk their lives boarding airplanes under false identities to protect us have been called many names. Names range from the simple “Sky Marshal” to the more complicated “Civil Aviation Security Liaison Officers”. No matter what they have been called over the years, one thing has always remained the same. The United States Federal Air Marshals have always been a group of our best law enforcement officers who forgo the luxury of traditional police work to sit next to crying babies and chatty old ladies all day. They do this with one goal in mind, to keep the airways safe so private citizens can enjoy the luxury of travel. “The history of the Air Marshals is closely linked to the history of hijackings and bombings of commercial aircraft. Some of the bombings and hijackings throughout history have had a greater impact than others on the tactics, manpower, and security procedures of Federal Air Force officers. These events and the responses of civil aviation operators and the U.S. government are essential to understanding the need for Air Marshals as the last line of defense.” (Biles, 2013) With the increase in aviation crime, the United States government has repeatedly turned to the Federal Air Marshals for the protection of its citizens. It hasn't always been easy for them and they haven't had the best funding around but, as you will see in this article, the US Federal Air Marshals have always responded when called upon. The beginning of the FAM program can be attributed to a singular event. On May 1, 1961, an event would occur that would forever change the way the United States approached aviation safety. “The National Airlines flight had been prepared for departure from Miami International Airport in the midst of the paper destruction. We must look to the future and imagine what we can do to prevent these crimes from happening. One thing is certain; with a large number of Federal Air Marshals on duty it becomes much more difficult to commit any of these crimes. Works Cited Biles, C. W. (2013). The United States Federal Air Marshal Service: A Historical Perspective, 1962–2012: "Fifty Years of Service." New York: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.Grabell, M. (2008, November 13). Donate. Top news RSS. Retrieved February 26, 2014, from http://www.propublica.org/article/history-of-the-federal-air-marshal-serviceKennedy, J. (1961, August 10). President Kennedy's press conferences. - John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. Retrieved February 27, 2014, from http://www.jfklibrary.org/Research/Research-Aids/Ready-Reference/Press-Conferences/News-Conference-15.aspx