When migrants in the Peloncillo Mountain range found themselves in dire straits, the Tucson Air Branch of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) stepped in with their Black Hawk helicopters, showcasing their unparalleled expertise in rescue operations.
Introduction
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations (AMO) is renowned for its comprehensive aviation and maritime law enforcement. Among its various branches, the Tucson Air Branch stands out for its specialized rescue operations.
Equipped with advanced Black Hawk helicopters, the branch undertakes numerous missions, including aerial surveillance, interdiction, and crucially, the rescue of migrants in distress.
Rescue Operations
Friday Rescue Mission
On Friday afternoon, the Tucson Air Branch responded to an urgent air support request from the Douglas Station Horse Patrol Agents. The situation involved a group of migrants suffering from severe heat exhaustion.
- The first patient, unresponsive and seizing, was quickly attended to by AMO Rescue Specialists.
- After clearing a landing zone, the patient was airlifted to an awaiting air ambulance.
The second migrant, suffering from delirium due to heat exhaustion, was also lifted to an awaiting Douglas Fire crew. The third individual, unable to walk, was hoisted into the aircraft with an AMO Rescue Specialist and flown to awaiting medical personnel.
Sunday Rescue Mission
Sunday evening brought another call for help, this time near the Arizona/New Mexico border. The aircrew swiftly located a landing zone in the harsh terrain:
- The first patient was loaded along with a Douglas Horse Patrol Unit member and transported to an air ambulance.
- The second individual was taken to a waiting ground ambulance for further medical care.
Summary of Rescue Operations
Date |
Location |
Number of Migrants Rescued |
Conditions Faced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday | Peloncillo Mountain range | 3 | Heat exhaustion, seizure |
| Sunday | Arizona/New Mexico border | 2 | Heat exhaustion |
Training and Preparedness
AMO aircrews undergo rigorous weekly training sessions to prepare for real-world rescue scenarios. These sessions take place in various Southern Arizona locations, including rocky and mountainous areas, ensuring the crews are ready for any situation. This continuous training is critical for maintaining the high level of readiness and capability required for these challenging missions.
Capabilities and Equipment
The Black Hawk helicopters used by the Tucson Air Branch are equipped with advanced rescue capabilities:
- Inserting AMO Rescue Specialists: To clear landing zones and assist in rescue operations.
- Hoisting System: Allows for the safe extraction of migrants and agents using Air Rescue Vests.
- Rapid Transport: Ensures that rescued individuals are swiftly taken to medical facilities for urgent care.
These helicopters, along with the expertise of the aircrews, enable AMO to provide critical humanitarian assistance in the most challenging environments.
Humanitarian Role
“Our aircrews are trained and capable of rapidly shifting from operational missions to humanitarian roles,”
said Jessie Scruggs, Director of Air and Marine Operations, Tucson Air Branch.
These words encapsulate the essence of the aircrews’ mission. Whether it’s rescuing migrants in distress or supporting ground operations, the Tucson Air Branch plays a pivotal role in preserving life along the border.
Challenges and Risks
Transnational criminal organizations often abandon migrants in remote and dangerous areas, leading to a rise in the number of rescues performed by CBP. The perilous journey across the border, coupled with extreme terrain and temperatures, puts migrants at significant risk.
This situation underscores the importance of the Tucson Air Branch’s readiness and capability to respond to emergencies.
- Abandonment by smugglers in remote areas
- Exposure to extreme temperatures and rugged terrain
Closing the Loop
The Tucson Air Branch’s recent rescue operations highlight the critical humanitarian role played by these skilled aircrews. Their ability to rapidly respond to emergencies and provide life-saving assistance demonstrates their indispensable contribution to border security and migrant safety.
As the challenges along the border continue to evolve, the Tucson Air Branch remains a vital lifeline for those in distress.
In summary, the Tucson Air Branch’s aircrews, equipped with their Black Hawk helicopters and extensive training, are a testament to the critical role of CBP’s Air and Marine Operations in safeguarding lives and maintaining security along the border.
Sources: THX News, 13 News, KGUN9 & US Customs and Border Protection.
