By deploying armed air marshals onboard selected flights, the Fed. Air Marshal Service (FAMS), a component of the Transportation Security Admin., plays a key role in helping to protect approx. 29,000 domestic and international flights operated daily by U.S. air carriers. This testimony discusses: (1) FAMS¿s operational approach or ¿concept of operations¿ for covering flights; (2) an independent evaluation of the operational approach; and (3) FAMS¿s processes and initiatives for addressing workforce-related issues. Also, this testimony provides a list of possible oversight issues related to FAMS. This testimony is based on a Jan. 2009 report, with selected updates in July 2009. Includes recommendations.