PETERSON AFB, Colo. –
U.S. Northern Command continues to partner with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the governments of Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands and remains engaged in disaster relief and medical assistance to the areas affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
As assessments of the affected area continue and more air and sea ports are opened, the Department of Defense is providing medical support through fixed wing aeromedical evacuations from St. Croix and the return of the Army Area Support Medical Company to St. Thomas. Additionally, St. Thomas air traffic control capabilities will increase significantly with the return of the Federal Aviation Administration tower and Instrument Landing System transported by the DoD.
The USS Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group continues beach assessments and ship-to-shore movements, which will allow for key response capabilities to enable route clearance operations and commodity distribution.
USNORTHCOM's mission is to assist lead federal relief agencies in helping those affected by natural disasters to minimize suffering while continuing its mission of defending the Homeland.