JACKSONVILLE, Fla.— U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations aircrews across Florida continue to actively support response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria flying an average of five flights a day.
CBP’s Air and Marine Operations has multiple aircraft from the Miami Air and Marine Branch and National Air Security Operations Center - Jacksonville transporting supplies and supporting relief operations and assessments. To date, 124,817 bottles of water and 58,146 meals, ready to eat, or MREs, have been moved to Puerto Rico and about 500 gallons of unleaded gasoline arrive each day.
CBP Air and Marine Operations P-3 crews are providing 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.
“Air and Marine Operations aircrews have been called in to action and are working tirelessly to bring in essential supplies to Puerto Rico and reach those in isolated communities,” said Director of National Air Security Operations Center - Jacksonville Robert Blanchard. “The men and women of Air and Marine Operations will always assist those in distress and continue to help those in need after Hurricane Maria.”
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.
During an emergency, CBP’s emergency response is conducted in accordance with the Department of Homeland Security’s National Response Framework.
Find up-to-date information on the Federal Emergency Management Agency's response to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, how to help, and how to search for loved ones.
For breaking news and regional updates on U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations follow @CustomsBorder @CBPCaribbean @CBPSoutheast and @CBPFlorida on Twitter.