PETERSON AFB, Colo. –
U.S. Northern Command is fully engaged with FEMA, and the Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Island governments to provide disaster and relief assistance to the areas affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
USNORTHCOM, through its Navy component, U.S. Navy North, continues damage assessment flights of airfields, cities, and coastal regions in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands using aircraft from the USS Kearsarge and USS Oak Hill. Additionally, debris removal operations have begun on beaches to allow for future Navy landing craft missions.
USNORTHCOM is poised to respond to requests for SAR services for municipalities and areas that remain isolated and without communication.
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.