see also: in September 2005 Press Releases:   40th CBP Container Security Initiative Port Operational   CBP Makes History with the Launch of Predator B   CBP Border Patrol Agents Seize 1,134 Pounds of Marijuana   U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer Apprehends Fedex Bandit   CBP Employees Recognized for their Outstanding Contributions to Public Service at 2005 Service to America Awards Ceremony   CBP Pilot’s Heroic Efforts Save the Lives of 22 People Abandoned in the Desert ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Washington, D.C. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) stood down the CBP Forward Deployed Operations Command Center (FDOCC) in Hammond, LA today. Directly following Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005, CBP provided law enforcement augmentation, search and rescue support and hurricane relief to those affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

“As a single unified border agency, Customs and Border Protection was able to quickly respond to the disaster, bringing law enforcement and relief support to those who needed it the most,” stated Commissioner Robert C. Bonner. “I am proud of every one of the men and women who volunteered to assist, whether they were a uniformed CBP officer and agent providing assistance on the ground or mission support personnel providing logistical, financial or other support they have done a tremendous job and we are all thankful.”

During the height of FDOCC operations, CBP deployed over 650 personnel to the region. This included CBP officers, CBP Border Patrol agents, CBP pilots and aircrew, logistics, financial, information technology and other mission support personnel. CBP deployed numerous assets to the area including: 25 fixed and rotary aircraft, 15 marine vessels, and over 200 vehicles.

During FDOCC operations, CBP performed over 1,428 missions, which included over: 672 law enforcement, 128 search and rescue, 78 recovery, 444 hurricane relief, and 97 other logistical support missions. During operations, CBP saved over 328 lives; provided food, water and other supplies to thousands of people impacted by the hurricanes; and donated well over $20 million dollars in seized goods and humanitarian aid.

“U.S. Customs and Border Protection accomplished our missions here in the Gulf Coast area,” William S. Heffelfinger III, Commanding Officer of the CBP Forward Deployed Operations Command Center said. “We succeeded because we came together as one team, integrating all the various disciplines within CBP to do what needed to be done – help others. ”

AS the FDOCC stands down, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will continue with it’s priority anti-terrorism mission of keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while facilitating the legitimate flow of trade and travel. CBP has restored all Border Patrol Stations and most of the Ports of Entry, in the region, to full operational levels, and is working to return remaining ports to full operations as quickly as possible.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our Nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.