JACKSONVILLE, FLA. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations aircrews across Florida are supporting response and relief missions in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria.
CBP’s Air and Marine Operations has multiple aircraft from the Miami Air and Marine Branch and National Air Security Operations Center - Jacksonville supporting initial damage assessments and complex recovery efforts in the region.
Air and Marine Operations P-3 crews are conducting air traffic coordination for airborne relief missions and communications relay for ground crews. This unique capability provides critical communications to emergency responders in the area.
“Extraordinarily dedicated Air and Marine Operations crews are working closely with federal partners and first responders transporting supplies and lending advanced capabilities to aid relief efforts,” said Director of National Air Security Operations Center - Jacksonville Robert Blanchard. “Air and Marine Operations will continue to conduct humanitarian flights and help those in need as part of our mission to serve and protect the American people.”
CBP’s Air and Marine Operations performs a wide range of aviation and maritime contingency operations and national tasking missions, including disaster relief, continuity of operations, humanitarian operations and search and rescue.
With approximately 1,800 federal agents and mission support personnel, 240 aircraft and 300 marine vessels operating throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands, AMO serves as the nation’s experts in airborne and maritime law enforcement.
For breaking news and regional updates on U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations follow @CustomsBorder @CBPCaribbean and @CBPFlorida on Twitter.