Command Updates HMLA 369 Gunfighters Supporting Homeland Security Raymond Rivard
W
hen thousands of people from Central America started to migrate to the United States through Mexico. The president ordered active duty troops to assist the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection in securing the U.S. southern border. The migrants did not find armed U.S. troops standing guard. Instead they found troops installing metal bars and wrapping concertina wire around barriers and atop the current fence separating the U.S. from Mexico. Based at Camp Pendleton, UH-1Ys Yankees from HMLA-369 Gunfighters provided air support to CBP tactical units. The CBP personnel learned how to effectively board and unboard the aircraft when deploying as a Quick Reaction Force to locations along the U.S. border. Photography by Raymond Rivard
Rotor Review #148 Spring '20
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