The Mexican Navy (Armada de México or SEMAR) is a branch of the Mexican military responsible for conducting naval operations. Its stated mission is "to use the naval force of the federation for the exterior defense, and to help with internal order".The Navy consists of about 56,000 men and women, over 189 ships, and about 130 aircraft. The Navy maintains a constant modernization program in order to upgrade its response capability, although its programs are hindered by a lack of funding due to variable budgets and lack of continuity. Given Mexico's large area of water (49,510 km2) and extensive coastline (9,330 km), the navy's duties are of great importance. Perhaps its most important on-going missions are the war on drugs and protecting PEMEX's oil wells in Campeche in the Gulf of Mexico. Another important task of the Mexican Navy is to help people in hurricane relief operations and other natural disasters.