CBP adds Black Hawk Helicopters to Air and Marine Operations in El Paso
CBP adds Black Hawks to Air and Marine Operations in El Paso
by David Cross
Thursday, January 9th 2020
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Air and Marine Operations El Paso Branch got an upgrade with the addition of a UH-60A+ Black Hawk. Two more UH-60 Black Hawks are expected for delivery, with one arriving in spring 2020 and the other in 2021. (Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations El Paso Branch got an upgrade with the addition of a UH-60A+ Black Hawk.
CBP said AMO El Paso received the Black Hawk on Nov. 4 and a second is expected to arrive this spring. The Black Hawks are intended to replace older UH-1N Huey helicopters that will be retired and sold.
AMO El Paso received the Black Hawk as a transfer from the U.S. Army. According to CBP, the Black Hawk will provide significant increases in speed, service ceiling, range and endurance from their existing fleet.
CBP said the Black Hawks will enable AMO El Paso to get to a location faster, remain longer and carry more people, systems or cargo in all kinds of weather. Missions will include aerial patrols, external lift operations such as sling loads, fast rope and rappel operations, insertion of agents into otherwise inaccessible terrain, search and rescue, and aircrew rifle operations.
CBP said a UH-60L Black Hawk scheduled to arrive in 2021 will add to AMO El Paso’s ability to rapidly provide medical aid in the field and to transport those needing medical attention.
A statement from CBP reads, “The speed and range of the UH-60 platform is a game-changer for AMO El Paso, where distance and terrain often impact our operations. The versatility of the UH-60 helicopters will give the El Paso Air Branch the ability to rapidly respond to law enforcement emergencies with a tactical team or to medical emergencies with EMTs on board. This asset can also be deployed during natural disasters to assess damage and to transport supplies, emergency personnel, and injured victims.”
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