TUCSON — Aircraft and personnel from U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations, Tucson Air Branch, are on the East Coast to support recovery and rescue operations in response to Hurricane Matthew.
Hurricane Matthew has overwhelmed state government resources, prompting requests for federal assistance to supplement ongoing disaster relief activities.
According to Mitch Pribble, director of the Tucson Air Branch, three hoist-capable UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters and two CE550 Citation fixed-wing aircraft, along with 21 pilots and nine support personnel, departed Tucson to provide assistance. “CBP’s participation is an integral part of the overall DHS response,” he said.
