PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - U.S. Northern Command activated a Defense Coordinating Officer this weekend to the U.S. Virgin Islands in preparation for support to civil authorities as Hurricane season builds and a storm approaches the U.S. territory.
USNORTHCOM activated the DCO and Defense Coordinating Element from U.S. Army North in support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency Region II, to provide assessment and coordination as required.
DCOs and DCEs work very closely with federal, state, tribal and local officials to determine what unique DOD capabilities can be brought to assist in mitigating the effects of a natural disaster.
USNORTHCOM is the joint combatant command formed in the wake of the Sept.11, 2001 terrorist attacks to provide homeland defense and defense support of civil authorities.