CBP AMO in Bellingham deploys aircraft in preparation for Hurricane Florence relief efforts

BELLINGHAM, Wash. – With Hurricane Florence bearing down on the East Coast, the Bellingham Air and Marine Branch of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations deployed a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and crew members Wednesday morning. The helicopter and crew were deployed in an effort to be prepared to rapidly respond to search-and-rescue missions and relief efforts in the areas that will be impacted by the storm.

“When a disaster strikes, life preservation and the safe evacuation of people in impacted areas becomes our number one priority,” said Trevor Buehler, Director, Air Operations, Bellingham Air and Marine Branch. “Our pilots and crew members are well-trained in search-and-rescue techniques and will provide assistance as long as necessary.”

The deployment of aircraft and crew from Bellingham is part of CBP’s broader effort to save lives and assist with evacuations in areas ravaged by the storm. As in previous natural disasters, CBP continues to provide numerous assets and highly trained personnel from throughout the nation (many of whom are certified EMTs).

CBP encourages all residents in the path of Florence to obey evacuation and other emergency orders issued by state authorities and emergency management agency. Residents and visitors should continue to monitor local radio or TV broadcasts for updated emergency information.

CBP’s highest priorities are to promote life-saving and life-sustaining activities, the safe evacuation of people leaving the impacted area, the maintenance of public order, the prevention of the loss of property to the extent possible, and the speedy recovery of the region.

Read more about other relief efforts at: www.CBP.gov.

Media may download imagery of CBP’s contributions during recent hurricane responses at:

• Still Photos: CBP Flickr
• Video B-Roll: DVIDS