TUCSON, Ariz. – Tucson Sector’s Border Patrol and the Arizona National Guard’s 1404th Transportation Company recently joined forces to transport 28 inoperable fleet vehicles from the Border Patrol’s Ajo Station to Tucson Sector Headquarters.
In just over two days, 1404th soldiers moved 15 Palletized Load Systems (PLS) – vehicles specially equipped for transporting other vehicles – using a self-sufficient convoy that included its own fuel truck. The operation involved driving from Show Low, Arizona, to the Ajo Border Patrol Station in Why, Arizona, where approximately 45 soldiers worked with Ajo garage staff to load the vehicles. Soldiers slept in tents one night at the Ajo Station before completing their mission Friday afternoon, Jan 9.
Collaborative efforts such as this benefit all parties involved. The Border Patrol benefited by having vehicles transported to Tucson Sector without straining personnel resources, while soldiers gained practical experience in providing logistical support.
The Border Patrol collaborates with various entities by using a whole-of-government approach to increase mission effectiveness while securing America’s borders.